The Power Of Gentleness (gentleness)

Fulfilled (The Fruit of the Spirit), part 9 of 10
Gentleness is not weakness, wimpy-ness or wishy-washy… it is power under control! We’ll use the acrostic POWER to spell out what it means to be gentle. Some of the virtues of gentleness can produce tremendous power in our lives that the world doesn’t often understand. Pastor Brent Carl

Download the notes.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…*gentleness*…” (Galatians 5:23a)

I. The misconception of “meekness”

A. Meek is not WEAK.

“Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men who were upon the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3, KJV) (cf. Deuteronomy 9:12–17)

B. Meek is not wishy washy.

“By meekness and gentleness, I appeal to you—I Paul…” (2 Corinthians 10:1a, NIV) (cf. 2 Cor.10:1b–2)

C. Meek is not wimpy.

Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am meek…” (Matthew 11:29, KJV) (cf. John 2:13–17)

II. The meaning of true meekness

A. Meekness is our power kept under God’s control.

B. Meekness brings reward that lasts forever.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds…*The Lord sustains the humble* but casts the wicked to the ground.” (Psalm 147:3,6)

III. The methods of true meekness

“Show a gentle attitude toward everyone.” (Philippians 4:5, TEV)

How to gently undermine explosive situations

Landmine #1. Angry people: gentle reactions

“When they hurled insults at [Christ], He did not retaliate; When He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)

” A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Prov. 15:1)

The benefit: reduced tensions

Landmine #2. Misguided people: gentle re-direction

“God’s people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth… they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true.” (2 Timothy 2:24–25, LB)

The benefit: understood truth

Landmine #3. Fallen people: gentle restoration

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you may also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1–2)

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32, NKJV)

The Benefit: changed lives

Landmine #4. Our own person: gentle recommitment

“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5–6)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)