In our current culture, gentleness is often equated with weakness. The true definition of Biblical gentleness involves power under control for the benefit of others. Consider this quote by author and pastor Chuck Swindoll:
"In our rough and rugged individualism, we think of gentleness as weakness, being soft and virtually spineless.
Not so! Gentleness includes such enviable qualities as:
Have strength under control;
Being calm and peaceful when surrounded by a heated atmosphere;
Emitting a soothing effect on those who may be angry or otherwise beside themselves;
Possessing tact and gracious courtesy that causes others to retain their self esteem and dignity.
Instead of losing, the gentle gain. Instead of being ripped off and taken advantage of, they come out ahead."
INVITATION: Does the above definition sound like a character trait you would like to possess in your life and relationships? Pastor Adam reminded us that fruit doesn't just spontaneously appear. It takes time and attention. It is a process. A slow process. God is concerned about the gentle transformation of our character, not just some "quick fix" that most likely won't be a true fix anyway. The slow transforming work of God is usually part of His perfect plan for us. It's not all about the end result. The journey of life on this earth changes us and forms us into being more Christ-like. And then we can live life freely and fully from the inside out rather than from surface impulses and ego driven desires.
What do others think of when they think of you? Would gentleness be one of the things that comes to mind? How can you begin to pray for and cultivate gentleness in your life?
MONDAY: John 15:5 & Galatians 5:22-23: Jesus promises that "If you remain in me" you will bear much fruit. Today's focus is the fruit of gentleness. What practices are in place in your life to remain attached to the vine? How do you know when you are not attached? How have you seen attachment to the vine help with gentleness in your life?
TUESDAY: Matthew 11:28-30: Pastor Adam recommended the book "Gentle and Lowly." It is an excellent book about the character of God. It is not about what Jesus did, but WHO He is. Having the image of God and His character clear in your heart and life is an integral part of the Christian journey. It affects everything. This verse (28) is the only place in scripture where God talks about the character of his own heart. Some versions say "gentle and humble." Gentleness and humbleness go hand in hand. The heart of Jesus is meek (gentle) and humble and therefore he is kind and accessible and both willing and able to help those who need him. Those who qualify for his attention are not those who are cleaned up and put together, but those who are weary and heavily burdened. Is that you? To these he makes the sweet promise of rest. If we are asked to say only one thing about who Jesus is, we would be honoring Jesus’s own teaching if our answer is, gentle and lowly. As you consider the gentleness of God, how might you pray today? What might you ask for regarding your own desire for gentleness? What might be a good starting place for you to grow this fruit?
WEDNESDAY: Proverbs 16:32 & John 3:30: Pastor Adam gave the following definition of gentleness: "Power under control. Authority under control for the benefit of others." As you consider this verse from the book in Scripture known as the "book of wisdom" (Proverbs), what are you prompted to pray with and for in your life? How might God become bigger in your life in the days ahead? How might you become less?
THURSDAY: Isaiah 40:10-11: This is a beautiful prophetic picture of the strength, yet gentleness of the coming Savior. This is Jesus, who tends his flock and "gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." How does it make you feel to think about being carried by Jesus? Are you comfortable or uncomfortable? What weight or burden might you ask him to help you carry this week? Maybe it's not even yours to carry in the first place. Can your entire burden be placed on the shoulders of Jesus? He is faithful.
FRIDAY: Colossians 1:9-10 & Colossians 4:6: When you are in step with the Spirit of God, you will become more gentle and your speech will become more gentle. Keeping in step with the Spirit may not feel natural at first and you may step on each others toes. But similar to learning how to move with a dance partner, it will become more natural for you as time goes on. God is at work in you, and He is not in a hurry. Perhaps the most poignant verse about how the work of God in you affects your speech is I Peter 3:15: "...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but do this with GENTLENESS and respect." Staying attached to the vine and in step with the Spirit of God will cause people to notice your life, and ultimately your words will also exude gentleness and respect. How are you prompted to pray about your speech/words today?
SATURDAY: Ephesians 4:2: As you stay in step with the Spirit of God, your view of others becomes more gentle. You are who you are because of the work of Christ in you. Don't others deserve the same grace the Lord has shown you? It is a stewardship issue. There is no place for pride - spiritual or otherwise - in the body of Christ. What is your attitude toward others? Are you gentle and patient?