Discovering the Heart of God Part 29 Gentleness

1. Discovering the Heart of God Part 29 Gentleness

2. Introduction Psalm 18:35You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. We serve a God who is gentle and always does what is best with regard to His children. We can perceive God’s dealings with us as severe and sometimes painful, but God always has a plan for our good and the good of others.

3. Introduction Abraham was called to leave his home and family and go to a unknown destination. Joseph was sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt. Israel spent 400 years as slaves in Egypt. Daniel was cast into a den of lions. Daniel’s friends were cast into a fiery furnace. Paul had a “thorn in the flesh” and John was banished. Yet, God was gently working in their lives.

4. God is Gentle Galatians 5:22-23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Though we seek to have the “fruit of the spirit” manifested in our lives, it is really the character and attributes of God’s Spirit living out through us. God is gentle! The word “gentleness” used here implies a moral uprightness that responds in kindness. It refers to the loving correction that a parent gives towards their child. It is the basis of God’s dealings with us and how we are to respond to others.

5. God is Gentle God’s gentleness sets Him apart from the gods of all other religions. The pagan gods were known for their great use of force and revenge on those who displeased them. They are pictured riding on tigers, and pounding creation with tridents, thunder and lighting. Only the God of the Bible responds in patient gentleness. Seeking to instruct His children by His guidance and protection.

6. God Will Do No Hurt Psalm 86:15But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. In Jeremiah 25:6, God states that “I will do you no hurt”. His power and wisdom is directed for the wellbeing of His children. We are not under the punishment of God’s wrath as that has been paid in full on the cross. Rather God works with us in our situations to draw us closer to Him. He is patient.

7. Gentleness and the Law Isaiah 40:11He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. It is true that God enforces his law by just penalties, but this does not mean that there is no room for gentleness. How could God teach us that His law is good and right if he did not give us time to make the discovery of benefits. God gives us time to learn and figure it out. Think of Adam. He sinned against God and there were consequences for his disobedience. God did not strike him dead on the spot, but gave him opportunity to learn, repent, and turn to Him in obedience.

8. Gentleness of Jesus Blessing the Children Mark 10:14But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. When the world saw little value in children, Jesus saw individuals made in His image. He wanted the children to be able to come to Him. He treated them with gentleness and dignity and used them to gently teach His disciples about faith.

9. Gentleness of Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet John 13 It would have been right for the disciples to wash Jesus’ feet, but they were too busy arguing over who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus rebuked them through His gentle example. He took on the role of the servant and ministered by washing the disciples’ feet.

10. Gentleness of Jesus Over Jerusalem Matthew 23:37“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look at the gentleness of Jesus as He looks over Jerusalem. He is going to be crucified and yet we see his tender compassion for His people.

11. Gentleness of Jesus Jesus’ Trial Matthew 26:65-67Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! 66 What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” 67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, Throughout Jesus’ trial He was abused and beaten. He never lifted a hand to defend Himself. The Creator of the Universe, that could have called an army of angels, endured His trail with the gentleness of a lamb!

12. Gentleness of Jesus The Thief on the Cross Luke 23:41-43And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” While in the agony of the cross and being mocked by the crowd, Jesus responded in gentleness to the thief who turned to Him in faith.

13. Gentleness of Jesus Forgiveness on the Cross Luke 23:34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. Jesus responded in gentleness to those who nailed Him to the cross. Instead of reacting in anger to the pain He endured, He responded in grace. He forgave His abusers recognizing that they acted out of ignorance.

14. Gentleness of Jesus He cared for His mother while He was dying. John 19:25-27Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. Jesus showed a gentle concern for His mother while on the cross. He entrusted her wellbeing to His disciple John.

15. Gentleness of Jesus Forgiving Peter John 21:15-17So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep”. Peter denied Jesus 3 times when Jesus was arrested. Jesus gently restores Peter and assures him that He has a place in God’s work.

16. Gentleness of Believers As believers, we also are to be gentle. We have been given the Spirit who is bearing His fruit in our lives. 1 Timothy and Titus list gentleness as a prerequisite for being an elder and deacon. Parents need to be gentle in dealing with their children. We need to give them a chance to respond. This is part of their training. Perhaps you need to pray that God would help you to be gentle- knowing that He is in control. You might need to think of those who you were not gentle towards and apologize and let God bring healing to those relationships.