Gentleness

The power of Gentleness

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

What we think Gentleness is

Babies

Weakness

“I am a survivor”

How The Bible Shows Gentleness

Closely linked to patience

Patience is the ability to endure hostility and criticism

Gentleness is the non-aggressive Christ-like response to hostility and criticism

Respond vs React

When we have a truly gentle spirit we react with softness and a gracious tongue

Gentleness

Hebrew - humility and afflicted

Greek - Courteous and unassuming attitude

Gentleness is not cowering out of fear, but power

Gentleness in an aggressive world

Luke 2:1–14 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Census/Registration

Jews were exempt from Army - Tax

Enrollment in one’s place of birth was not stipulated in Roman law. But likely Herod may have added such a stipulation.

Pregnant women?

Gentleness of a baby nursing

Roman’s

Military

Shepherds

Not trusted

Nomads - no accountability

Robbers - prey on lonely travelers

Disqualified as a legal witness

Jesus humbly and unassuming enters the world he created.

What Gentleness Looks Like

An attitude of humility and afflicted

Gentleness is a counter human reaction to life

Courteous and unassuming attitude

Giving others the benefit of the doubt

“don’t assume malicious intent when ignorance will do”

Defuses conflict & disarms critics

Proverbs 15:1 ESV

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Gentleness is not cowering out of fear, but power (the power of being Identified as a child of God) - this is how the world was turned right side up

Gentleness is a description of Jesus and way of life for his followers

Matthew 11:28–29 ESV

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.

Worship Team

Egg

The power of Gentleness is able to turn the world upside down

By being defined as a child of God

Showing people how to live Gentle and lowly in heart lives