THE STRENGTH OF GENTLENESS - PS. RICK WARREN

The Keys to a Blessed Life – Message 3

“God blesses those who are gentle. The whole earth will belong to them!”

Matthew 5:5

GENTLENESS IS STRENGTH UNDER CONTROL

Gentle Person

·         Not over react

·         Not driven by his emotion

BENEFITS OF BEING GENTLE

1. GENTLENESS DEFUSES CONFLICT

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

When people raise his voice, you lower yours (control your anger)

Exp: when your boss get angry with you, don't angry back, and not walk away either.

Gentle quiet spirit can overcome even great mistake.

“If your boss is angry with you, don’t quit! A quiet, gentle spirit can overcome even great mistakes.”

Ecclesiastes 10:4 (NLT)

2. GENTLENESS DISARM CRITIQUES

When they criticize you, respond in gentleness; don't get mad, it may disappoint them. 

Never ever fight back when people criticize you. 

“We respond gently when evil things are said about us.”

1 Corinthians 4:13 (NLT)

“Your conversation should be so sensible that anyone who wants to argue will be ashamed because there won’t be

anything to criticize in anything you say!”

Titus 2:8 (LB)

“The Lord’s servant must never quarrel; instead, he must be kind and gentle with everyone, He must be able to

teach effectively and be patient with difficult people Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope

that God will grant them repentance leading them to know the truth.”

2 Tim. 2:24-25 (NIV/LB)

3. GENTLENESS PERSUASIVE

“Gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.”

Proverbs 25:15b (Mes)

Patience and gentle talk can convince the ruler and overcome any problem. 

 “A gentle word can get through to the hard-headed.”

(NCV)

“A wise, mature person is known for understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.”

Proverbs 16:21 (TEV)

I'm never persuasive when I'm abrasive. 

4. GENTLENESS IS ATTRACTIVE

I attract what I am. 

“As a man of God... pursue what God approves of: godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness”

1 Tim. 6:11 (GW)

For man

• Godly (like Christ)
• Faith
• Love (unselfish)
• Endurance (determination, never give up)
• Gentleness

Like Boas be gentle to Ruth. (Treat a stranger with gentleness)

For woman

 “You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”

1 Peter 3:4 (NLT)

5. GENTLENESS COMMUNICATE LOVE

“Husbands, love your wives and be gentle with them.”

Colossians 3:19 (NCV)

“Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger. Do not exasperate them to resentment, but rear them

tenderly in the training and discipline and counsel of the Lord.”

Ephesians 6:4 (Amp)

6. GENTLENESS EARN RESPECT

“A woman of gentle grace will be respected.”

Proverbs 11:16 (Mes)

Do you teachable? Moses was meek because he was teachable

“Moses was a very meek and gentle man. In fact, he was more gentle than anyone else on the face of the earth!”

Numbers 12:3 (Amp)

7. GENTLENESS IS WITNESS TO UNBELIEVER

“Believers should never speak evil of ANYONE, nor be quarrelsome. Instead they should be gentle and show cour-

tesy to everyone.”

Titus 3:2 (GW)

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect.”

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

8. GENTLENESS MAKE ME LIKE JESUS

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn

from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

“The fruit of the Spirit is . . . gentleness!”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Three things practice gentleness

1.    When someone serve me, be understanding not demanding

Waiters, secretary... Treat people with respect

Philippians 2

2.    When somebody disagrees with me, be tender without surrender.

Romans 14:1

3.    When someone disappoint me, be gentle not judgmental.

Ephesians 4:32