Gentle Power Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Gentle Power ----------------------- Date: 07/18/1999 Keywords: "gentleness” “spiritual disposition" “trespass" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. eXXit advertises itself as a Web site designed to help you "stand strong in the face of sexual temptation." In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists nine "fruit of the Spirit," fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of the believer. Each of these fruits — if produced — will greatly aid a believer who seeks to "stand strong." At eXXit, we believe that: The fruit of the Spirit is produced in the life of a healthy Christian, just as apples appear on a healthy apple tree. If there is any love or joy or peace in a Christian, it is ultimately the work of God. Christians can cooperate with the Spirit's desire to produce His fruit in their lives by yieldedness, faith, obedience and involvement in ministry. We hope you enjoy and benefit from these meditations on Galatians 5! Send us any feedback. We'd love to know what you think. Passage: Galatians 6:1* Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Question 1. What does this verse say about your spiritual disposition?   2. Is there a connection between your spiritual disposition and your vulnerability to temptation?   Practical help Have you confessed a pornography habit and then been admonished? How was is it handled? Did it begin a process of restoration or one of alienation? How are you going to act when the roles are reversed? When someone falls into trespass and confesses, God uses it as an opportunity for his Spirit to work in two ways: 1. God extends his hand in grace and lifts you, the trespasser, up off your back and draws you closer to himself. (That's the Gospel -- click here if you're still on you back.) 2. God extends his hand of love to you, the admonisher, with a reminder of how gently he restored you when you were the confessor. (That's the Gospel growing the love of God in you. See Romans 5:8 and Psalm 32:5.) Paul is letting you know that when you let the spirit of gentleness become dominant in your disposition you are also becoming less susceptible when you next encounter a temptation. There's power in a gentle spirit. Be powerful. Be gentle. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 1999 by eXXit *"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."