Carol Swenson
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The Handbook of Bible Application
GENTLENESS (Humility, Softness, Tenderness)
What makes gentleness such a powerful character quality?
BIBLE READING: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7, niv)
Gentleness allows others to grow. Gentleness is often overlooked as a personal trait in our society. Power and assertiveness gain more respect, even though no one likes to be bullied. Gentleness is love in action—being considerate, meeting the needs of others, allowing time for the other person to talk, and being willing to learn. It is an essential trait for both men and women. Maintain a gentle attitude in your relationships with others.
BIBLE READING: 2 Timothy 2:14-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God’s people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. (2 Timothy 2:24, tlb)
Gentleness makes learning possible. As a teacher, Timothy helped those who were confused about the truth. Paul’s advice to Timothy, and to all who teach God’s truth, is to be humble, patiently and courteously explaining the truth. Good teaching never promotes quarrels or foolish arguments. Whether you are teaching Sunday school, leading a Bible study, or preaching in church, remember to listen to people’s questions and treat them gently and respectfully, while avoiding foolish debates. If you do this, they will be more willing to hear what you have to say and perhaps turn from their error.
BIBLE READING: James 3:1-18
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. (James 3:17, tlb)
Gentleness is a mark of wisdom. Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise, but who acted foolishly? True wisdom can be measured by the depth of a person’s character. Just as you can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can evaluate your wisdom by the way you act. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the fire of discord? Careful, winsome speech and wise, loving words are the seeds of peace. God loves peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
“Envy and selfish ambition” are inspired by the devil. It is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians. By listening to the advice: “Assert yourself. . . . Go for it. . . . Set high goals,” we can be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. Seeking God’s wisdom delivers us from the need to compare ourself to others and to want what they have.
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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