The Bible Is Powerful

November 3, 2013

Healthy Relationships Require Gentleness

Part 8, “Fresh Fruit” series

Series Theme Verse:

“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” (Gal. 5:22–23)

1. Gentleness Has Power To:

1. Reduce Relational Strife

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

1. Revive Marital Attraction

“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:1–4)

1. Remove Mental Opposition

“… the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose [resist, hostile] him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24–26)

1. How Can We Increase Our Gentleness?

1. Learn Jesus’ Teachings

“‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke [teaching] 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)

1. Live Out Jesus’ Call

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Eph. 4:1–2)

November 3, 2013

Healthy Relationships Require Gentleness

Small Group Discussion Guide

Ice Breaker: What is your favorite thing to do on Sunday afternoons? Why?

1. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

• Who is the best peacekeeper in your family? In what ways do they pursue peace?

• Describe a time you or someone you know used gentleness to calm a heated argument.

1. “Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:1–4)

• What might a relationship built on mutual submission and consideration look like?

• In what ways does our culture encourage us to focus on outer appearance?

• What suggestions would you give another person to help them place a higher priority on developing a gentle and quiet spirit?

1. “… the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose [resist, hostile] him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24–26)

• Tell of a time you saw someone’s gentle instruction open another person’s mind to hearing about Christ?

• How might gentleness be a powerful character trait?

1. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:1–2)

• Of the character traits listed above, which come the easiest for you? Which is the hardest? Why?

• What do you think it looks like to live a life worthy of God’s calling? Where is it the hardest for you to live out that call: Work? Home? Relationships? Why?

How can we pray for you?