Virtual Service October 30, 2022
THE POWER OF GENTLENESS
MATTHEW 5:5 God blesses those who are gentle. The whole earth will belong to them!
Gentleness Is a Supernatural Quality Of The Soul Which Only God Gives
prautēs— denotes “meekness.” It consists not in a person’s “outward behavior only; or in relations to others; It is an inwrought grace of the soul; the exercise of it is chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, therefore without disputing or resisting; … it is only the humble heart which is also the meek, it does not fight against God or struggle or contend with Him.(Vine’s Expository Dictionary)
2 Timothy 2:24-25 The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness.
BENEFITS OF BEING GENTLE
1. GENTLENESS Defuses Conflicts
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Ecclesiastes 10:4 (NLT) If your boss is angry with you, don’t quit! A quiet, gentle spirit can overcome even great mistakes.
2. GENTLENESS Disarms Critics
1 Corinthians 4:13 (NLT) We respond gently when evil things are said about us.
Titus 2:8 (LB) Your conversation should be so sensible that anyone who wants to argue will be ashamed because there won’t be anything to criticize in anything you say!
3. GENTLENESS Is Persuasive
Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Proverbs 15:1 (NCV) A gentle word can get through to the hard-headed.
Proverbs 16:21 (TEV) A wise, mature person is known for understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.
4. GENTLENESS Is Attractive
1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
5. GENTLENESS Communicates Love
Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and be gentle with them.
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger. Do not exasperate them to resentment, but rear them tenderly in the training and discipline and counsel of the Lord.
6. GENTLENESS Helps Me Earn Respect
Proverbs 11:16 A woman of gentle grace will be respected.”
Numbers 12:3 Moses was a very meek and gentle man. In fact, he was more gentle than anyone else on the face of the earth!
7. GENTLENESS Is a Potent Witness
Titus 3:2 (GW) Believers should never speak evil of ANYONE, nor be quarrelsome.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) Instead they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone. 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 . . .
8. GENTLENESS Causes Me to Develop Christlikeness
Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) The fruit of the Spirit is . . . gentleness!
I choose gentleness…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be Gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. Max Lucado
How and towards whom Will YOU practice gentle speech and manner this week?