August 23, 1990
Gentleness (or Meekness)

Of all of the elements of the fruit of the Holy Spirit perhaps
none is as difficult to define as gentleness (meekness). The
Scriptures show us an all powerful Christ who is at the same time
meek.

Our 20th century success orientation does not lend itself to
meekness. From a very early age we are told to be competitive and proud
of our accomplishments. However the Bible says that the the meek shall
inherit the earth (Matt 5:5) how can this be? Indeed is it even
possible to strive for meekness? Human nature would cause us to become
proud of becoming meek!

The root of gentleness has more to do with a frame of mind
and an inner gift of the Holy Spirit. As with the other aspects of the
fruit of the Holy Spirit it is a gift from God. All that God asks of
us is our acceptance of this gift freely given.

Lets examine what gentleness is. According to Webster's New
Collegiate Dictionary gentleness is the quality or state of being
gentle. The gentle person is slow to anger and difficult to offend. A
meek person will not soon lash out in frustration after not being
understood. As a meek person we are not so concerned with how others
perceive us. Given the choice a meek person will choose to nurture
another rather than build up himself.

A look at II Cor 10:1-18 is a good example of the meekness which
the Holy Spirit wishes to give us. Here we find that Paul has been
challenging the churches through his letters. Because he has not been
present personally many of the people who disagree with him have been
treating him with contempt.

Paul answers this abuse by appealing to them in "the meekness and
gentleness of Christ". He asks that he not have to address them in
boldness, that he not have to exercise his authority among them.

Paul shows us a fundamental difference between the spiritual world
and the natural world. Both the spiritual and natural world contain
conflict, even war. However we do not do spiritual battle with
"weapons" or set out to destroy. Doing this would be at odds with the
instructions Christ has given us.

First of all we don't have the power to destroy the evil things of
the world. Secondly God does not want people to follow Him out of
shows of force, but be persuaded by the Gospel and His demonstrated
love. The crusaders of the middle ages, and some still today, present
the choice of the cross or the sword. It wasn't very effective in the
middle ages, and it still isn't today.

Christ has shown a remarkable degree of gentleness with each one
of us. This meekness is not because He lacks authority or power over us
but because he chooses not to use it in the same way we might.



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In Col 3:12 we are asked to put on the garment of meekness
(humility) before our Christian brothers and sisters. We are
specifically asked to forgive others and look for common ground. This
is not true just for our relationships with Christians but with
non-Christians as well.

Indeed we are empowered to be meek by an all powerful God. Christ
has given to us so abundantly that we have a basis for security and
self image which are not dependent on how others see us. We know that
Christ has been given all power on heaven and earth. We know this not
because He strikes us dead when we mess up, but because He has overcome
even death for us. Likewise we should show Gods power by being healers
and peacemakers in others lives.


Some New Testament definitions of humility (meekness) are;


Submissiveness to the will of God {Matt 5:5}

Teachableness {James 1:21}

Consideration for others {Eph 4:2}



Discussion Questions



What does Micah 6:8 mean to you? Have you thought about what God has
shown you lately?




Read Eph 4:1-16 with special emphasis on verses 1-4. In what practical
ways can we build up the Church by being a humble person? To who's
glory are spiritual gifts given.




Read Eph 5:1-10 You have been given the gift of the knowledge of
Christ. What responsibilities does this give you?




NOTES








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This Bible study was prepared for a neighborhood group Bible study with
Elmbrook Church in Brookfield Wisconsin. The study is led by a lay
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