Embracing Gentleness: The Strength of the Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Gentleness as Controlled Strength

Gentleness is often misunderstood as weakness or passivity, but in reality, it is about controlling one's strength and using it with a soft touch. The Greek word "praotites" beautifully captures this concept, describing a powerful force that is carefully restrained. This controlled strength allows us to approach others with humility and love, reflecting the character of Christ. In our daily lives, this means using our abilities and influence in ways that build others up rather than tearing them down. It is about being strong enough to be gentle, even when we have the power to be otherwise. [49:29]

Isaiah 40:11 (ESV): "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have the power to assert yourself. How can you choose to exercise gentleness instead, using your strength to uplift and support others?

Day 2: Biblical Examples of Gentleness

The Bible provides profound examples of gentleness through the lives of Jesus and Paul. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolizes humility and peace, a stark contrast to the expected display of power. Similarly, Paul addressed the Corinthians with a gentle spirit despite their opposition, showing that gentleness involves a deliberate submission to God's authority and a compassionate approach toward others. These examples teach us that true gentleness is rooted in humility and love, aiming to win hearts rather than arguments. [51:39]

2 Corinthians 10:1 (ESV): "I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!"

Reflection: Reflect on a recent conflict or disagreement. How can you emulate the gentleness of Jesus and Paul in your approach to resolving it?

Day 3: Practical Applications of Gentleness

Gentleness should permeate our daily interactions, whether we are correcting someone, handling conflicts, or engaging in difficult conversations. The goal is to speak truth in a way that is respectful and considerate, aiming to win the person rather than the argument. This approach helps to build bridges and foster understanding. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions, we can navigate challenging situations with grace and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. [56:35]

Proverbs 15:1 (ESV): "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Reflection: Think of a difficult conversation you need to have. How can you prepare to approach it with gentleness, aiming to build understanding rather than simply winning the argument?

Day 4: Gentleness in the Face of Opposition

Gentleness is especially important when dealing with opposition or criticism. It involves bearing reproaches and slights without bitterness or resentment. This quality allows us to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even when faced with unjust accusations or harsh words. By responding with gentleness, we reflect the character of Christ and open the door for reconciliation and healing. It is a powerful testimony of our faith and trust in God's justice and mercy. [57:06]

1 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt unjustly criticized. How can you respond with gentleness and grace, trusting God to handle the situation?

Day 5: The Role of the Holy Spirit

Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, meaning it is not something we can achieve on our own. It requires a close walk with God and a willingness to submit to His authority. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we will gradually develop the character of Christ, including the quality of gentleness. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's love and grace at work within us, enabling us to reflect His gentleness in all our interactions. [59:25]

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to exhibit gentleness? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this fruit of the Spirit?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. We began by reflecting on the life of Jason Kelsey, a formidable NFL player who, despite his immense strength, shows tender love to his daughters. This duality of strength and gentleness serves as a powerful metaphor for the biblical understanding of gentleness.

Gentleness, or "praotites" in Greek, is not about weakness or passivity but about controlled strength. It is the ability to wield power with a soft touch, much like a velvet hammer. This quality is not something we can decide to have on our own; it is a fruit of the Spirit that manifests as we walk closely with God.

We examined various biblical examples, including Jesus' gentle entry into Jerusalem and Paul's gentle approach in his letters to the Corinthians and Thessalonians. These examples illustrate that gentleness involves humility, love, and a deliberate submission to God's authority. It is about speaking truth in a way that is respectful and considerate, aiming to win the person rather than the argument.

We also discussed practical applications of gentleness in our daily lives, such as how we correct others, handle conflicts, and engage in difficult conversations on topics like reproductive rights, marriage, and immigration. The key is to approach these situations with a spirit of humility and love, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions.

In conclusion, gentleness is a powerful yet often misunderstood fruit of the Spirit. It requires us to control our strength and use it in a way that reflects God's love and humility. As we continue to grow in our faith, let us strive to embody this quality, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ.

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Key Takeaways

1. Gentleness as Controlled Strength: Gentleness is not about being weak or passive; it is about controlling one's strength and using it with a soft touch. This concept is beautifully illustrated by the Greek word "praotites," which describes a powerful force that is carefully restrained. This controlled strength allows us to approach others with humility and love, reflecting the character of Christ. [49:29]
2. Biblical Examples of Gentleness: Jesus and Paul provide profound examples of gentleness. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing humility and peace, while Paul addressed the Corinthians with a gentle spirit despite their opposition. These examples teach us that gentleness involves a deliberate submission to God's authority and a compassionate approach toward others. [51:39]
3. Practical Applications of Gentleness: Gentleness should permeate our daily interactions, whether we are correcting someone, handling conflicts, or engaging in difficult conversations. The goal is to speak truth in a way that is respectful and considerate, aiming to win the person rather than the argument. This approach helps to build bridges and foster understanding. [56:35]
4. Gentleness in the Face of Opposition: Gentleness is especially important when dealing with opposition or criticism. It involves bearing reproaches and slights without bitterness or resentment. This quality allows us to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even when faced with unjust accusations or harsh words. [57:06]
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, meaning it is not something we can achieve on our own. It requires a close walk with God and a willingness to submit to His authority. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we will gradually develop the character of Christ, including the quality of gentleness. [59:25]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:51] - Introduction: Jason Kelsey
[45:19] - Transition to Galatians 5
[45:52] - Fruits of the Spirit Overview
[46:22] - Prayer for Understanding
[46:52] - Reading Galatians 5:22-23
[47:23] - Fruits of the Spirit Explained
[47:52] - Greek Word "Praotites"
[48:24] - Secular and Biblical Uses of Gentleness
[49:29] - Gentleness as Controlled Strength
[51:39] - Biblical Examples of Gentleness
[52:13] - Jesus' Gentle Entry into Jerusalem
[52:49] - Paul's Gentle Approach
[56:35] - Practical Applications of Gentleness
[57:06] - Gentleness in the Face of Opposition
[59:25] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[60:36] - When to Be Gentle
[72:13] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Galatians 5:22-23 list as the fruit of the Spirit? How is gentleness described among these qualities?
How does Jesus describe Himself in Matthew 11:29, and what does He promise to those who take His yoke?
According to 1 Thessalonians 2:7, how does Paul describe his approach to the Thessalonians? What metaphor does he use to illustrate gentleness? [52:49]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of "controlled strength" redefine our understanding of gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit? [49:29]
Why is it significant that Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem on a donkey, and how does this act exemplify gentleness? [51:39]
In what ways does Paul's gentle approach in his letters to the Corinthians and Thessalonians demonstrate humility and love? [52:49]
How can the Holy Spirit help us develop the quality of gentleness in our daily interactions and conflicts? [59:25]

Application Questions

Think of a recent conflict you had. How could you have approached it with more gentleness and controlled strength? [56:35]
Reflect on a time when you had to correct someone. How did you balance truth and gentleness in that situation? What could you do differently next time? [57:06]
How can you practice gentleness in conversations about controversial topics like reproductive rights, marriage, or immigration? [01:09:06]
Identify a person in your life who often criticizes or opposes you. How can you respond to them with gentleness and without bitterness or resentment? [57:06]
What steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate gentleness in your life? Consider your daily walk with God and your submission to His authority. [59:25]
How can you use the metaphor of the "velvet hammer" in your interactions this week? Think of a specific situation where you can apply this concept. [01:03:11]
Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family? [01:15:42]

Sermon Clips

1. "These are fruits of the Spirit. These are fruits that come out as we're walking with God. As we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we become new creations. We are made new. The old is set aside. The new is here. And so these are things that God begins working as we allow the working into our lives and manifesting. And so as Christians, as believers who are growing in our faith, who are walking with God, who are walking with Jesus Christ, we should be looking to say, Lord, teach me and put this into my life." [47:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Biblical gentleness is using a strong hand with a soft touch. A tender, compassionate, respectful approach toward others' weaknesses or limitations. It could be defined as this. It occurs, the Greek word, praotes, this was Thomas Constable's expository notes, but to describe a horse that someone has broken and trained to submit to a bridle. It pictures strength under control. Specifically, we think about the Holy Spirit's control. And the evidence of this attitude is the deliberate placing of oneself under divine authority." [50:34] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Although Jesus had infinite power, and Tim shared one of these verses with it, he was gentle. He invited people to yoke themselves to him and to learn from him because he is gentle and humble. When he entered Jerusalem, to the cheer of the crowds, he was fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah that described the king coming to Zion gentle and mounted on a donkey. He didn't come as the head of an army, but as a savior." [51:39] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So when we look at Jesus, we see the one with infinite power who wields it with a tender hand. It's hard to learn at times how to just have the right touch. But I think that's why Galatians 5 says it as a fruit of the Spirit. Fruit of the Holy Spirit. So let us eagerly desire the transformation of our lives into these new creations controlled by the Holy Spirit. And as we gradually grow and gradually continue to develop the character of Christ, let us learn how to use his power and speak his truth and speak his love with gentleness." [01:12:48] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these verses, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." [01:15:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "These aren't things that we can decide. But the Greek word pronounced praotites means a couple of things. It's pretty a complex word, actually. It means it appears about nine times in this letter, and it can be translated as gentleness, meekness, humbleness. It's got a couple of different elements to it. So in secular Greek, it was used to describe mild words, soothing medicine, tame animals, benevolent people. For example, it could be used to describe a gentle breeze, or placing a soothing cream on a wound, or the feeling of sitting next to a purring lion cub if you choose to do that." [48:24] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "It's the ability to bear reproaches and slights without bitterness or resent. As I said, it's the wise man who can be gentle in the midst of insults being hurdled at him. We've probably all had an opportunity where someone accused us wrongly. Called us names, said words to us that were hurtful, that were painful, and you sat there, and maybe as it boiled up in you, you wanted to lash out. And you want to say, oh, yeah? But you, let me tell you how crummy you are." [57:06] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "It's the restrained and obedient powers of the personality brought into subjection and submission to God's will by the Holy Spirit. Again, it's taking me as God's giving me the fruits of the Spirit, pushing me aside, because I want God to shine, and I want His Spirit to be working in my life. So taking me, while I may hear something that hurtful, putting that aside, because I want God's Spirit to be in control of what do I say to this person next." [59:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Our goal is to win the person, not the argument. Our goal is about winning the person over and that they would see the truth. Or in 1 Peter, when we answer someone who asks us to defend our faith, why do you believe in Jesus? That's just nonsense. Science has proved, you know, there are tons of books that scientists have proved God couldn't possibly exist. Let's look at that gently. In James, James tells us to instruct us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." [01:01:53] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "That type of gentleness is not from us. That type of gentleness, the one that Paul wrote about using this Greek word prautes, is only through the Holy Spirit working through us to do that, to help us reach and talk to others and everything. And yes, sometimes that velvet hammer maybe has to come down a little harder. The velvet's still on it, by the way, but maybe it has to tap a little. It has to tap a little harder for that individual or that situation. But it's still out of humility and love for that person." [01:12:13] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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