Gentlness

Approaching Gentleness

 

When we hear the word meek, we may well think of weakness and timidity. We might imagine a person who cannot stand up and deal with the problems in life or someone who has low self-esteem or is just plain shy. This is definitely not what Jesus has in mind. Meekness and gentleness describe an attitude of humility and self-restraint. The gentle man might be very powerful, physically strong, or socially empowered, but he interacts with others out of love and compassion.

 

Peter's Advice

 

In 1 Peter 3:1-6, Peter offers a case study in gentleness as an exercise of love and Christian concern. Imagine a situation where a Christian wife is married to an unbelieving husband. How shall she win him over to Jesus?

 

     * What non-verbal witness can a wife make to her husband?

 

     * What does the world define as "beauty"?

 

     * What does God see as beautiful?

 

     * Does what Peter say in these verses sound offensive to modern ears?

 

 

 

Words to Remember

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23

 

To prepare for "Maintaining Self-Control," read Proverbs 25