Gentleness is a humble heart that is not easily offended and speaks the truth (power) out of love (under control)
Memory Verse: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest" Matthew 11:29
Gentleness, praÿtēs, is a synonym here for meekness. You've probably heard the cliche that meekness is not weakness but power under control. There is much still for me to learn about the depth and scope of this word, but in my study time the Lord continue to bring a couple of things to light. A spirit of gentleness produces two traits in the life of a believer.
1) One who is not easily offended:
A gentle person has nothing to prove because the essence of his life is to do the will of the father and that produces rest, peace in the believer's life (Matthew 11:29). The beatitudes tell us "blessed are the gentle (meek), for they shall inherit the earth." Meekness grown out of a heart full of gratitude and humility enables us to yield our own self-interest and self-assertiveness to God because we trust in His goodness and sovereignty. We find rest knowing He will take care of us.
John MacArthur writes, "Jesus didn't lash back when criticized, slandered, or treated unjustly...He demonstrated meekness to the very end. 'While being reviled. He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously' (1 Peter 2:23)."
2) One who speaks the truth out of love
MacArthur writes, "[Jesus] did respond fittingly and firmly when God's honor was profaned or His truth was perverted or neglected."
As I read through other verses where praÿtēs is used, it appeared often when the truth needed to be spoken.
- "What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?' 1 Cor 4:21
- "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Galatians 6:1
- "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love." Ephesians 4:2
- "with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth" 2 Timothy 2:25
- "to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men." Titus 3:2
- "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks youth give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" 1 Peter 3:15
Two things can hinder us greatly from correcting gently: pride and impatience. I see my pride when I simply want to win an argument with my husband. I see my impatience grow when the days of motherhood seem so long. Here is where I need the Holy Spirit to grow gentleness in me!
Application With the Kids:
Hymn Study
I told the boys the story of John Newton's childhood and salvation which I read from a church history for kids site. (As a little side note, I was so encouraged hearing about his mother's faithfulness to teach him the scriptures and pray for him during the first seven years of his life before she passed away.)
I then shared with them from a few of my notes out of Piper's message about how John Newton grew into a man of God marked by a true spirit of gentleness.
- Newton's love to people was the signature of his life. His first inclination was to love not judge lost people.
- Newton was humble and patient. He was not driven away by people's imperfections and he was not overly impressed by their gifts.
- Newton spoke the truth in love. He said,"the Scripture, which...teaches us what we are to say, is equally explicit as to the temper and Spirit in which we are to speak." (2 Timoth 2:25) It is the language he used in making the truth winsome and healing.
- Newton's gentleness was not hindered by pride. He cared more about influencing people with truth for their good than winning debates.
The Righteous Judge Animated DVD
We watched the story from John 8 of the woman who had been unfaithful to her husband. I thought NEST did a great job presenting this story for children. Since we just ended studying the fruit of faithfulness by watching my husband and I take our wedding vows to be faithful to one another with God's help as long as we live, the boys didn't really have any questions when the pharisee in the movie accused the woman of unfaithfulness to her husband. I asked the boys if this woman had sinned. Yes, she had broken the seventh commandment. Then we talked about how harshly the pharisees treated the woman. They had prideful spirits that led to an unrighteous judgement of condemnation. We also talked about how the Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus and how Jesus showed us a picture of power under control as he spoke truth to the Pharisees and the woman. We watched Jesus speak gently to the woman which led her to repentance. He didn't deny her sin, but he also didn't condemn her. He extended grace and forgiveness, and then tells her to go and sin no more.
The Petting Zoo
A couple of weeks ago we went to see the farm animals at our local zoo, and recently we attended the Delta Fair where they had a wonderful petting zoo. I took these opportunities to remind the boys that just as harshness turns people away, animals too will run from harsh people. We talked about showing gentleness to the animals with a quiet, calm voice and touch that let's them know we are not there to bring them harm but good.
Oh my word,,this was just the shot in the arm I needed today! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDelete