God has put womanly graces into every born-again woman of God, even if they lie there dormant, in seed form only, needing to be developed. If you are like me, you weren’t even aware that these womanly graces were available through the indwelling nature of Jesus Christ, and yet the potential was there to be the woman that God designed us to be! So I want to encourage you to join me on a journey of discovery. You and I are going to discover that the nature of Christ is the power and strength of womanhood.

“Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].” Colossians 3:12 Amplified

*When you became born again, the indwelling nature of Christ raised you from the dead and enabled you to become the vessel that God designed you to be – woman! But you must develop or mature in them. You must daily practice or put on the nature of Christ!

You wear womanly graces like a garment. Every morning you have to choose to put on the nature of Christ. However, when you do, those heavenly garments will strengthen and empower you as a woman. They will build, fortify and strengthen you in womanly graces.

“But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart…” I Peter 3:4 Amplified

Sarah practiced depending upon the “beauty of the hidden person of the heart”. She constantly wore the heavenly garment of a quiet and peaceable spirit and it gave her the ability to remain trusting and obedient during a very trying time in her life. She chose a garment of great value that not only put her in position to win, but it also pleased God!

There is power in the nature of Christ; there is power in womanly graces!

15 “Now when the turn for Esther… had come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s attendant, the keeper of the women, suggested. And Esther won favor in the sight of all who saw her.”  Esther 2:15 Amplified

Esther chose only the garments that would please the king. You and I also honor the “King of kings and Lord of lords” by choosing only the garments that will please Him. These heavenly garments are His very own nature. And just like Esther, when we wear those heavenly garments, we will experience His grace and goodness in our everyday life affairs and those life-altering moments.

GENTLENESS

Gentleness is the true spirit of loveliness.

“… with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.” I Peter 3:4 Amplified

Gentleness is the result of a quieted heart.

“…. that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty, [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.”  Psalm 27:4 Amplified (emphasis added)

Gentleness can only flow through a calmed and quieted heart. And a quieted heart is the result of dwelling in the presence of Jesus and meditating in His Word. This is how you obtain the sweetness of the nature of Jesus and a true spirit of loveliness. You are sweetened by the nature of Jesus!

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29 Amplified

Gentleness, when practiced, restores a heart of graciousness, because its motives are pure and simple – it has only the interests of others in mind (Philippians chapter 2, Amplified Bible). However, when you allow it to flow through you toward others, it is gracious and provides rest, relief, encouragement, and refreshment for them.

Gentleness opens the door for close communion with God. You draw nearer and closer to Him with your heart. When you are quieted and stilled in His presence, you are able to calm your heart and mind, and just listen. This is where you begin to lean on and trust Him. You can’t lean on or trust anyone you have not spent time with.

Simple Acts of Faith

  • Practice a tone of “mercy” in your voice, words and actions.

Colossians 3:12, 13 Amplified

  • A gentle heart is more quick to listen than it is to speak and is even slower to anger or angry responses, and shall I add, slow to criticize or judge. James 1:19 KJV
  • A gentle tongue is a tree of life – fruit of gentleness has healing power! The anointing flows through it. Proverbs 15:4 Amplified
  • Calm yourself by meditating in the Word, and waiting in the presence of Jesus through worship.
  • Practice thoughtfulness and caring.

*If you’ve never been born again, all of these things are available to you through Jesus Christ.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9, 10 KJV

I would like to take a moment to express my thankfulness and gratitude to my husband, Kenny Gatlin, for the great example he has been to my life of what it means to be a kind and gracious person. What an awesome man of God – thank you, honey!

— Brenda Gatlin