Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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1. Gentleness Defined
-Being even-tempered, calm, and humble with our passions under control.
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Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
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Matthew 11:29 ESV
29 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.
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Hebrews 1:3 ESV
3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
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2. Gentleness has a teachable spirit.
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Matthew 11:29 ESV
29 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.
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Colossians 3:12 NLT
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
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3. Gentleness is thoughtful in responding to others.
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Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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Philippians 4:5 NIV
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
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1 Peter 3:15 ESV
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
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4. Gentleness practices compassionate care in conflict and correction.
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Galatians 6:1 ESV
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
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1 Corinthians 4:21 ESV
21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
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Proverbs 13:18 NIV
18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
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Proverbs 12:1 NIV
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
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5. Gentleness demonstrates spiritual maturity.
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Proverbs 13:10 NLT
10 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.
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James 3:17-18 ESV
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
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Ephesians 4:1-2 ESV
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
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Application:
To be gentle is to be like Jesus!
