By: Justin Dillenschneider, Director of Student Life
Week of February 7th, 2022
Gentleness can be defined as the quality of being calm, kind, or soft toward other people. In Matthew 11:29 (ESV) Jesus says to the crowds, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Scripture is ripe with examples of how God is the strength of His people and their source of protection and yet He is also “gentle and humble.” Sometimes gentleness is portrayed as the opposite of strength, but God’s Word teaches that gentleness is the way to turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). In the United States and in much of the Western world, gentleness is not often a highly regarded skill set in the workplace or in leadership. It is, however, one of the fruits of the Spirit described by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. Consider this virtue than in the context of the other attributes described as the “fruit of the Spirit.” Are followers of Christ known in this way today in our own context?
Continue contemplating gentleness by looking at this week’s scripture reading from
2 Timothy 2:23-25 CSB
“23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. 24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.”
We want to encourage you to have a conversation this week about the virtue of gentleness.
Consider these discussion prompts together:
- What tempts you to become angry?
- Where have you seen people fall into detachment? Where are you tempted to do so?
- What are some ways you see Christ correcting anger or detachment in people in Scripture?
- How do we see the apostles and the early church modeling and celebrating gentleness?
Hymn to Sing Together: Have Thine Own Way, Lord!