Gentleness Pt. 2
Galatians 5:22-23, Gal. 6:1, 2 Tim. 2:24-26, John 14:26, Gal. 5:16
We learned yesterday that Jesus displayed perfect gentleness, both in humility and meekness and even when he had to say something truthful for the sake of God’s purposes. So, how are we to respond? What is God’s call to His People to be gentle?
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” Gal. 6:1
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Pet. 3:15
“And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Tim. 2:24-26
Gentleness and meekness are synonymous. Someone who is meek is someone who is slow to get angry, someone who submits to God, someone who can forgive rather than seek revenge and can answer with a soft reply rather than with harshness. A person who is meek is able to “keep their cool” even when facing troubles or displeasures of life.
Has there ever been a time in your life when life and its troubles has caused you to overreact? Say something you wish you hadn’t or act in a way you wish you had not?
Is it possible to live according to these calls about living in gentleness?
Let me share an encouragement: you are not alone. 1) You are not alone because we all struggle to be perfectly gentle like Jesus. 2) You are not alone because God has given us a gift, the Helper, the Holy Spirit.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
“I say then: ‘Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.’” Gal. 5:16
Similar to John 15, this passage tells us when we connect or abide with the Spirit, we will be able to overcome our natural reactions and responses which oppose Christ, and we will be taught how to live a new way.
Reflect:
Is there someone or something in your life that is provoking anger in you? Ask the Spirit to help you in your response and to grow in gentleness.
What is your kairos moment from today’s passages? (What is God saying? What are you going to do about it?)
