7th Fruit: God’s Will is Gentle
God’s Will is always Gentle (reflected in column #7 in the example-charts on pages 70-72). Initially, it is important to note that in order for us to be truly gentle with others, a deep sense of Humility must be enlivened. The true Child of God remembers that our perceptions of “reality” are always malleable. Therefore, we are to keep an open mind with regards to fresh opinions — including another’s advice &/or criticisms (“Morning by morning we waken – waken our ears to Listen as those who are Taught … We gave our back to those who strike us … We do not hide our faces from insult.” ~ Isaiah 50:5-6) … Of course, this doesn’t mean that the humble believer always agrees with or adheres to or follows those adverse opinions (“If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater …” ~ 1 John 5:9). Rather, he or she is simply humble enough to Hear them & Respect them …
In this way, truly Gentle actions are flexible “ahead of time.” This means that whenever we are engaging a choice, instead of “knowing” that we are “right”, we simply choose to re-mind ourselves that, “even though I cannot be certain my choice is the best one, I stride boldly forth anyway; sincerely intending to harmonize with the Highest Good of God’s Will. And yet all the while I am ever-ready to alter my course of action if it becomes clear that my original choice is not the most Power-full one or does not serve what is Right & Good & True.” (“We have this Treasure [our Soul’s Light] in clay jars so that it might be made clear that this amazing Power [i.e. The Word: selfless Love] comes from God and does not belong to us.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7) …
In addition, we should also be gentle with the Divine Essence many call “God”, meaning that whenever we are in doubt, it is always effective to openly ask for what many call “Divine Guidance” (“When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:16) … This can be accomplished by paying attention to our “gut feelings” when confiding in friends, when evaluating our dreams, when praying attentively, and especially paying attention to our surroundings and the happenstances that come our way (“Devote yourselves to prayer; keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.” ~ Colossians 4:2) … Purpose-fully make your choices “irrationally” (i.e. intuitively) by following the “hunches” that come therefrom, instead of heeding our ego’s “more rational” alternatives, a very good way to become reacquainted wit God’s Will (“The One who is within is greater than the one who is in the world.” ~ 1 John 4:4) …
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