Sunday, 11/16/2025

GOOD NEWS FOR YOU AND YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

THE GRACE OF THE POWER OF GENTLENESS

2 Chronicles 16:9 “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 

“What matters to God is not your ability but your availability to him.”

Galatians 5:22–25 (ESV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” 

God Is Powerfully Gentle

Isaiah 40:10–11 “Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. ¹¹ He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”

1 Kings 19:11–13 (NLT) “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. ¹³ When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The power of God’s voice was in the gentle whisper.

Biblical Gentleness = Power Under Control

Matthew 11:29 (ESV) “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

2 Timothy 1:7 “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control.”  

2 Samuel 22:1 “And David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul….³⁶ You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.”

Speak with Gentleness to those who confront you

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.”

Gentleness equals humility: stop blaming, accept responsibility

Proverbs 25:15 (NCV) “With patience you can convince a ruler, and a gentle word can get through to the hard-headed.”

Psalm 141:3 “Lord, help me control my tongue. Help me be careful about what I say.”

Bless Those Who Insult You

Matthew 5:39 “If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

1 Peter 3:9 “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”

Romans 12:20–21 “… “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” ²¹ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

Luke 6:28 “Pray for those who insult you.”

Forgive Those Who Offend You

Colossians 3:13 “You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Unforgiveness hurts you more than them

Strength to forgive comes from remembering Jesus forgave you

Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

1 Peter 2:23 “ He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”

Encourage Those Who Need You

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

Hebrews 10:24 “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.”

Under God’s control, you become selfless and gentle

Matthew 11:29 “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.”

Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentle attitude be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”