Gentleness and Meekness

I. Introduction
   A. Matthew 11:29
      1. Famous line of Jesus
      2. Indication of Him being "gentle", or "meek"
   B. Being gentle and meek commanded of us as Christians
      1. Galatians 5:23
      2. Colossians 3:12
      3. Ephesians 4:2
   C. Gentleness and meekness often misunderstood attributes
      1. Some negative connotations attached to them
      2. What do the Scriptures teach?

II. Myths About Gentleness and Meekness
   A. Society is responsible for producing many myths about 
      gentleness and meekness
      1. Understandable-- the world normally does not work this way!
      2. In society, the gentle and the meek get stomped on by the 
         violent and aggressive!
   B. Myth: Gentle people are that way because they are weak
      1. This idea comes from many of those who glory in displays of 
         physical strength
      2. It is reasoned, after all, that if they did have power, they 
         would not be gentle
      3. Yet Jesus of Nazareth commanded all power in the universe, 
         and was able to change the weather (Matthew 14:32-34), and 
         He was gentle as a Lamb (Matthew 11:29)
   C. Myth: Gentle men are wimps or sissies
      1. Something akin to above
      2. Gentleness seen as a "feminine" virtue
      3. If men are gentle, they are seen as sissies, effeminate, 
         or worse
      4. Again we appeal to Jesus-- no doubt a man, at opportunities 
         quite forceful (cf. John 2:15ff), yet was gentle and 
         compassionate to others (Matthew 11:29)
   D. Myth: Meekness means that you are a pushover
      1. This myth is based in the understanding of the term in 
         modern society
      2. In modern terms, "meek" is not very good indeed!
      3. The previous history of the word (along with the Greek 
         equivalent) denotes something quite different
      4. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or 
         irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries
         (Webster's)
      5. In short, "power under control"
      6. Such is why the meek will "inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5)!
      7. They win over not by force or pressure, but by humility and 
         ability to keep themselves under control even in difficult 
         circumstances!
   E. We can see, then, that the myths surrounding the concepts of 
      gentleness and meekness are off-base
      1. Nevertheless, many base their understandings on the myths
      2. Such is why gentleness and meekness are not often considered 
         necessary virtues to have
      3. Sure, people give lip service to gentleness and meekness..
      4. ...but the strong-willed, aggressive, combative people seem 
         to win out the day!

III. The Value of Gentleness and Meekness
   A. Since these virtues are so rarely truly respected, what is 
      their value?
   B. The Scriptures indicate that their value is great
   C. Value in working with others
      1. Gentleness and meekness allow us to work together properly
      2. Ephesians 4:1-2
      3. Paul's desired means: 1 Corinthians 4:21, 2 Corinthians 10:1
      4. We appreciate it more when others are gentle with us-- 
         Luke 6:31!
   D. Value in promoting God's truth
      1. Without it, we cannot properly represent God's truth to 
         mankind!
      2. 2 Timothy 2:24-26: to those contrary
      3. 1 Peter 3:15-16: in all defenses of truth
   E. Value in restoring brethren who have left the truth
      1. Galatians 6:1
      2. A spirit of gentleness will be more effective with the soft 
         heart than a rod of harshness!
   F. Value to the true servant of God
      1. The servant of God sees through the world's view of 
         gentleness and meekness and understands its great spiritual 
         power (James 1:21)
      2. James 3:13, 17
      3. Colossians 3:12, 1 Timothy 6:11, Titus 3:2
      4. Characteristic of elders: 1 Timothy 3:3
   G. The gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in God's sight 
      (1 Peter 3:4)!

IV. Being Gentle and Meek
   A. We can see, therefore, the truth and the value of gentleness 
      and meekness
   B. How are we to be meek and gentle?
   C. Containing anger (Titus 3:2)
      1. While we often vent anger, gentle and meek people will not 
         do so destructively
      2. They will reflect on their feelings and strive to resolve 
         differences more peaceably
   D. Speaking with others with encouragement (cf. Ephesians 4:29)
      1. Harshness rarely gets people very far!
      2. But speaking gently but firmly, indicating God's truths, 
         can be beneficial (1 Peter 3:15)
   E. Gentleness and meekness goes along with love, humility, 
      peace, and other characteristics
      1. If we truly love one another, we will be gentle with one 
         another
      2. If we are humble, it is easy to be meek
   F. We seem to understand what gentleness and meekness requires-- 
      it is a question of whether we are working on cultivating 
      these attributes, along with the others that work together 
      for God's good purposes (cf. Galatians 5:22-24)!

V. Conclusion
   A. We have investigated gentleness and meekness
   B. We have seen some of the myths associated with them
   C. We have seen that even if they are unpopular in the world, 
      they have great spiritual value!
   D. Gentleness and meekness go along with other attributes, and 
      work to show love, humility, and to bring peace and joy
   E. Let us be, as Jesus, meek and gentle!
   F. Invitation/songbook