Fruits of the Spirit: Gentleness (Chantilly Sermon)

Colossians 3:12 CSB – Clothe yourselves with… gentleness.

Matthew 11:28-29 CSB – “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ …, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Defining Gentleness

2 Corinthians 10:1 CSB – I, Paul, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ

King Rehoboam of Judah

1 Kings 12:7 CSB – if you will be a servant to this people and serve them, and if you respond to them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”

1 Kings 12:10 CSB – This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! ¹¹ Although my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with barbed whips.’”

Philippians 2:5-7 CSB – 

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

⁶ who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
⁷ Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,

taking on the likeness of humanity.

The Motivations for Gentleness

John 13:1-4 CSB – Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

² Now when it was time for supper, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray him. ³ Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. ⁴ So he got up from supper,… and washed their feet.

Gentleness is the fruit of relationship with God

Jesus knew His destiny

John 13:1 CSB – Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father…

Jesus knew His identity

John 13:3 CSB – Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

Jesus knew His purpose

John 13:1b CSB – Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Do you know…

Who you are?  (Identity)

Why you are alive? (Purpose)

Your eternal future? (Destiny)

1 Peter 3:8 CSB – Husbands….live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Romans 8:37-39 CSB – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus’ Example of Gentleness

1. Be Humble, not demanding

Philippians 2:6-7 CSB –  [Jesus], who, existed as God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
⁷ Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,

2. Defuse, don’t escalate

Proverbs 17:1 CSB – To start a conflict is to release a flood;
stop the dispute before it breaks out.

Luke 22:31-32 CSB – Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Matthew 12:20 CSB – He will not break a bruised reed,
and he will not put out a smoldering wick,

Titus 3:9 CSB – avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.

3. Be respectful, not disparaging

1 Peter 3:15-16, [be] ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. ¹⁶ Yet do this with gentleness and reverence

Action:

1. Ask God, “help me to be gentle.”
2. Ask Friends, “help me see when I’m not gentle”