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 Scripture, Meditation, and Application 1: Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering (Colossians 3:12). Gentleness, or meekness, is an attribute God expects Christians to display. Meekness involves strength under control; gentleness is the disposition we ought to display toward others. May we exhibit gentleness and meekness in our lives! 2: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Meekness is culturally excoriated as softness or weakness. In reality it is anything but; it is far easier to give vent to strength than to hold it in as meekness. Jesus was meek, maintaining all the strength of God without bringing devastation upon sinners. May we be thankful for Jesus’ meekness and seek to express it in our lives! 3: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy (James 3:17). Those who are wise and godly in Christ exhibit gentleness and meekness, not because they have grown soft or feeble, but because they see it is the way of God in Christ. Fools give heed only to the loudest voices in the room; we do well to exhibit gentleness and meekness and give heed to the wisdom of those who live by it! 4: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:4). God does not want His people to grow soft, weak, or impotent; God also does not want His people to give full vent to their strength. Instead God commends strength kept under control, expressing gentleness and meekness. It is not easy, but it is pure and wise, and ought to be our way forward in Christ!