GENTLENESS

In a world given to violence, the concept of gentleness is most welcome. There is peace in the heart of a gentle person, a calmness that brings peace to the hearts of those around him. Married persons long for that quality in their mates. Businesspeople appreciate a gentle spirit in negotiations. Church meetings run more smoothly when a spirit of gentleness is present. Jesus was gentle. Did this rob him of manliness? No. True manliness, and true femininity, is gentleness because it is power under control. The Bible calls us to be gentle in our dealings with others, not only because it is kind and right, but because it is modeling one of the characteristics of Christ.

HOW IS GOD GENTLE?

1 Kings 19:12 . . . After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

Psalm 18:35 . . . You have given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand supports me; your gentleness has made me great.

Isaiah 42:3 . . . He will not crush those who are weak or quench the smallest hope.

Psalm 103:13-14 . . . The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.

Although God has the power of the universe at his fingertips, he often speaks most eloquently to us in whispers.

WHILE WE MAY EXPECT GOD TO SPEAK WITH THUNDER, HE OFTEN SPEAKS WITH A GENTLE WHISPER.

1 Kings 19:11-19 . . . After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

God does not need to shout to be heard. His gentle whisper is enough.

HOW DID JESUS DEMONSTRATE GENTLENESS?

Isaiah 40:11 . . . He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Matthew 9:36 . . . He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn’t know where to go for help.

Mark 6:34 . . . A vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.

Matthew 11:28-30 . . . Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.”

We see the heart and mind of Jesus best through images like shepherding (holding us like little lambs), pity for crowds of hurting people, lifting heavy burdens, and representing sinful people before Almighty God. These are the marks of gentleness.

HOW CAN I BE GENTLE IN MY LIFE?

Genesis 33:3-4, 10 . . . Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother, he bowed low seven times before him. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him affectionately and kissed him. Both of them were in tears. . . . Jacob said, “what a relief it is to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the smile of God!”

A friendly smile in tense times promotes gentleness.

1 Peter 3:4 . . . You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

A gentle and quiet spirit has unfading beauty.

Colossians 3:12-13 . . . Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you.

Gentlesness shows mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness toward others.

James 3:17 . . . The wisdom that comes from heaven is. . . .gentle at all times.

Gentleness utilizes God’s wisdom.

Galatians 6:1 . . . Dear friends, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.

We can show gentleness by giving loving guidance to those who have gone astray.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 . . . The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will believe the truth.

We act in a gentle way in teaching others, especially unbelievers.

Proverbs 15:1, 4 . . . A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. . . .Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Gentleness speaks with words of healing and peace.

GENTLENESS STOPS QUARRELS.

Proverbs 15:1 . . . A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

GENTLENESS AND FORGIVENESS GO HAND IN HAND.

Colossians 3:12-13 . . . Clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowances for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you.

A forgiving spirit is a gentle spirit.

PROMISE FROM GOD:

Proverbs 15:1 . . . A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.

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