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Gentleness vs.Harshness

"Showing consideration and personal concern for others"

 

 GENTLENESS - A Four-Minute Sermon
Faith Committee, Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Contributed by Dr. Paul E. Toms
Senior Pastor (Retired), Park Street Church, Boston, MA
December 17, 2001


ARE YOU GROWING IN GENTLENESS?

Outline:

I. What is Gentleness?
II. The Bible Indicates It Is Important
III. Application: Are You Growing In Gentleness?

  1. WHAT IS GENTLENESS?

    A few miles down the road from my house is a horse farm-not just an ordinary horse farm, but a unique one. It is called FLAG IS UP farm, and it owned and operated by a well known, in fact, a world renowned person named Monty Roberts. A book about him is called The Man Who Talks to Horses. After growing up on a ranch where he saw his father break horses in the traditional fashion, Monty Roberts was horrified and upset at the roughness and what he considered cruelty to the animals. He thought there must be a better way. One day in the mountains, he observed wild horses and he began to get close to them and devised a system whereby he was able to begin to somehow communicate by sign language. To his amazement, he was able to “talk” to a wild mustang and within 30 minutes he had a saddle on him and was riding! He says the secret is gentleness. And interestingly enough, he feels the same technique works with people! He and his wife have taken several young men who were in big trouble and worked with them, firmly, but gently. Mr. Roberts is now known world-wide and has recently been in England to teach the Queen’s horse-handlers his technique.

    Gentleness is good manners. A gentle person is a peacemaker. That person shows respect and kindness. Gentleness is the opposite of violence. “The world tells us to be assertive. The Word tells us to be gentle.” (Florence Littauer in 'The Best of Florence Littauer', Christianity Today, vol. 34#13). “Ninety percent of the friction of daily life is caused by the use of the wrong tone of voice!” (Leadership, Vol. 1, #4) And look at this- “Advice is like snow, the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon and the deeper it sinks into the mind.”(Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Christian Reader, Vol. 33#1)

  2. THE BIBLE INDICATES IT IS IMPORTANT

    Gentleness is a characteristic of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 10:1), he used this characteristic of our Lord, “the gentleness of Christ”, as he appeals to the church. When David was singing a great hymn of praise to God (2 Samuel 22:36) one translation has him saying God’s help made him great. Another suggests it was God’s providence and still another translates this as God’s gentleness. The Bible describes our Lord as full of pity and offering understanding and help to people in all kinds of circumstances. In addition, when the Apostle Paul lists the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit in one’s life, he includes gentleness (Galations 5:23). Gentleness is therefore important to the Christian, since the Bible exhorts the Christian to grow in Christlike character - which is of value in every way - both in this life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:7-8)! Gentle Christians honor the Lord and bless the rest of us. They bring a quietness to life. They offer stability and understanding.

    Gentleness marks the true Christian and gives authenticity to his testimony. Years ago John Newton asked, “What will it profit a man if he gains his cause, and silences his adversary, if at the same time he loses that humble, tender frame of spirit in which the Lord delights and to which the promise of His presence is made.” ('Letters of John Newton', Christianity Today, vol. 33#1) Paul said,.. “be obedient and be ready to do good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:2)

    Here is a rather disturbing, yet challenging, thought. It comes from Evelyn Underhill who in a straightforward manner, said, “If we really desire a simple test of the quality of our spiritual life, a consideration of the tranquility, gentleness and strength with which we deal with the circumstances of our outward life will serve us better than anything that is based on the loftiness of our religious notions, or fervor of our religious feelings.('The Spiritual Life' from Leadership,Vol. 13#2)

    God’s plan is to be gentle - to be “...considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17)

  3. APPLICATION: ARE YOU GROWING IN GENTLENESS?

    Let's spend these closing moments quietly with the Lord in prayer. In your life, are you growing in gentleness? Are you becoming more considerate of others? More attentive to their needs? More sensitive and soft with your responses? Less annoying and irritating? More of a peacemaker? Ask the Lord for forgiveness where you have been harsh and insensitive. And ask the Lord to help you be more sensitive, and to show you steps you can take this week to practice and grow in gentleness. Commit to Him to take these steps with His help. Thank Him for His patience with you, for loving you, and for helping you.
 

 

This material is published by the Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Reproduction and Adaptation is encouraged.