Releasing God's Best: Gentleness
Galatians 5:22-25; Colossians 3:15-17
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The ‘gentleness’ (epieikeia) of Christ
The ‘meekness’ (praÿtēs) of Christ
Examples of Jesus’ gentleness:
- Mark 1:40-42; 5:25-34; 10:13-16
- John 8:3-11
Gentleness as strength:
- Proverbs 15:1
- James 3:17
- Matthew 5:5
- 1 Peter 3:1-4
Gentleness or meekness does not mean being a doormat on which people walk. It is a descriptor of strength, not weakness.
Hebrews 12:1-3: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
TODAY'S PREACHER
Debbie Reese is Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC