August 2

You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me. — Ps 18:35 BSB

The Holy Spirit is gentle, tender, and full of patience and love. Consider how gently God deals even with sinners and how patient He is. His discipline of His own children, even when they stray, is tender. Look at how He led Jacob, Joseph, Israel, David, Elijah, and all His faithful servants in the past until they could say, "Your gentleness has made me great."

When the Holy Spirit dwells in a person, that heart will be characterized by gentleness, humility, peace, and patience. Harshness, sarcasm, and sharp words belong to the flesh, not the Spirit. These traits have nothing in common with the gentle teaching of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit avoids the noisy, chaotic, and vengeful spirit but finds rest in the quiet heart of the peaceful soul. The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness and meekness.

Lord, make me gentle. Calm my spirit. Refine my demeanor. Let Christ be evident not just in my heart, but in my actions and words.