WEEK 2 | GENTLENESS
How are we called to be gentle?
Read and meditate on John 8:1-11
Guiding Thoughts:
In this passage there is an important thing to notice. Jesus’ gentleness with the woman. He was not quick to accuse as the religious leaders were. He was slow to speak.
Being gentle means: “having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character.”
In the passage, it says that the leaders “tried to trap him [...] but Jesus stooped down”. Jesus did not immediately take action or say anything to the accusers. He was mild and kind tempered. It wasn’t until they pestered him that he got up and spoke.
In this passage, it shows the great gentleness that Christ has. As his followers, we are called to the same gentleness. When we want definitive action and aggressive reactions we need to understand the importance of being calm, gentle, and patient before acting. We want to be consistent with what Christ has taught and led. We are to walk worthy of the calling of being a child of God by being gentle with all people; including ourselves.
When we sin or do something that we know we are guilty of, how quick are we to try to cast stones upon our own heads? We have an idea in our heads that we are the worst of the worst people and deserve death. However, we should have a mild temperament, ask for forgiveness, and run to the arms of Jesus.
Questions:
What main areas of your life do you need to practice being mild tempered/gentle?
How (if at all) have you noticed yourself not being gentle with yourself or people around you?
How does Christ’s gentleness challenge you (if at all)?