Week 6 Gentleness ~ receiving God’s download of a kindly disposition
Truth Verses
The same word for gentleness, as a characteristic of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) is interpreted
kindness in other scripture passages:
2 Corinthians 6:6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere
love
Col 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Truth Story
How we go about finding a car parking space can sometimes be a gauge to help determine the measure of our personal ‘kindness levels’.
In the course of learning the advanced driving test I was given a tip, deemed foolproof in helping to secure the only remaining car park space. When faced with the challenge of another car competing for a last remaining spot, it’s so easy now for me to nip in and win the prized space. Having successfully achieved that goal, on several occasions, it soon became apparent that this was also a surefire way of creating enemies and loosing the respect of the contending motorists. The greater challenge for me is to wave the person ahead and then win in the kindness stakes! As the saying goes "its not so much whether we win or loose, it's about how we play the game."
In a world with everyone competing to be the top dog, remember the way of the master is not a "power over" superior smartness but a "power under" kind and friendly disposition (Matthew 20:26-27; 23:11; John Chapters 18 & 19).
Truth Unpacked
Q. What then is this gentleness or kindness?
A. It is an attitude of humility that desires to show consideration and helpfulness towards other people,. Instead of us wanting to express any sense of superiority, kindness instead genuinely wants to serve them.
This friendly disposition flows from its source - the 'exceeding riches of Gods goodness and kindness' (Rom 2:4; Ephesians 2:7).
It expresses a genuine kindness for people—having true, outgoing concern for their well-being. This attitude of how we think of others is shown in how we both treat and talk with others. So rather than becoming sons of thunder (Mark 3:17) as those seeking revenge by violence and strength, instead seek to be kind.
I find my kindness-levels are often assisted by me pretending that I am like a medieval-times musketeer. This renews my thinking to see myself as an ambassador representing his sovereign King. Such ambassadors always endeavour to treat foreign dignitaries with courtesy and friendliness, both protecting their kings’ interests and carrying the kings’ messages.
Therefore, in a culture infused with harshness and one-upmanship, don't ever quit becoming counter -cultural and bucking what is ‘trending’. Instead cultivate being a 'gentle' man or 'gentle' woman, the timeless noble trait of a King’s musketeer.
Quote One kind word can change someone's entire day (Anon).
Praying the a Word
Spirit of Jesus, please help me learn life-principles from the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Let me never overlook the issues of others that are hurting and needing support. Let your gentleness and kindness captivate my heart, transforming how I treat and talk with others (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14).
"You're rich in love
And You're slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name
Bless You Lord"
[Matt Redman - Song entitled 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)]
Lectio Divina [Prayer reading]
Pray, read and reflect.
• Have those that are willing pray, asking that the Holy Spirit would help them hear His voice (John 10:27).
• Read the scriptures again.
• Then go around the room [allowing for ‘neighbour nudging’ to let people opt out should they not want to share]. Have everyone willing then reflect, acknowledging one thing they sense the Holy Spirit is saying to them as they read.
Pray, reinforce and contemplate.
• Close the connect group time by praying that the Spirit would help empower everyone to demonstrate this Jesus-like characteristic of kindness.
• Reinforce this by participating in a symbolic gesture or creative activity that does something to express our desire to receive this change (e.g. Think of one random act of kindness you could do for someone in your school/college, work or neighbourhood. Then ask people to put a time and date in their diary to ‘just do it’ in the incoming week).
• Ask everyone to contemplate; to consider how they can demonstrate this characteristic more in their everyday lives.
