Characteristic of a Christian: Gentleness
Can you remember a time when someone treated you like they were more important than you?
How does a sense of self-importance affect the way you treat other people?
Definition of Gentleness in the sense it is used in Galatians 5:23: not being so impressed or concerned with our own importance and instead focusing upon how our words and actions reflect God’s love to others.
How is this different from being “soft” or a “pushover”?
How do we learn Gentleness? How do we learn to not be so impressed or concerned with our own importance and instead focus upon how our words and actions reflect God’s love to others?
- We learn gentleness from Jesus.
How does the Gospel display Jesus’ gentleness? (for help, see Philippians 2:3-11)
Can you think of any occasions in the gospel writings when Jesus displayed gentleness by showing love to an outcast?
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29
2) We learn gentleness by considering others in our attitude, words, and actions.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4
How does gentleness work in society gives us messages like “you do you”, “you only live once”, “get yours”, “practice self care”, and”take care of yourself first”?
Why is it important for Christians to be gentle (remember the definition!) in a self-important, self-focused society?
As followers of Jesus, let’s learn to focus upon him so much that we have no thought of self-importance. And let’s consider whether or not our words, attitudes, and actions honor Jesus and reflect his love to others.
Pastor Kyle in this message on Gentleness
Why does rightly focusing on Jesus inhibit our thoughts of self-importance?
What are some ways in which your words, attitudes, and actions affect others, for good or for ill?
See also: Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Timothy 6:11, 1 Peter 3:15-16
Shore Community Church 