Gentleness is authority administered with a soft touch!

Philippians 4:5 NIV
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Gentleness is authority administered with a soft touch!

Isaiah 42:1-4a NIV
“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth.”

3 Areas to check:

Check your motivation when speaking the truth.

Ephesians 4:15 NLT
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Check your emotions when dealing out discipling.

Proverbs 16:32 NET
Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city.

Proverbs 11:2 NIV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

James 4:6 NIV
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Check your tone when arguing your point.

Proverbs 15:1-2 NLT
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Gentleness is not weakness or the absence of power. In reality if you are powerless or have no authority than you cannot wield gentleness. Gentleness is actually the way that God wants you to use your authority and/or power.

3 ways you can wield power:

Selfishly – use it to get what you want, get ahead, knock others down, pad your own pocket|
Harshly – abusive, attacking, demeaning, negative, keep people under your thumb
Gently – firm but fair, Just but gracious, Driven but understanding

He always knew why he was doing what he was doing, he knew his motivation.
He never allowed his emotions to get the best of him, he didn’t loose his cool or ever go off half-cocked.
He never used his authority to talk down or belittle anyone, or make even the weakest person feel inferior (weed/candle)

Gentleness is authority administered with a soft touch!

Jesus Christ had the ability to wield unlimited power, the power of God. He was going to die for all of mankind, if anyone had the right to be angry, hostile, intolerant, it was Jesus. But, instead He invites those struggling with life to embrace him, to lean on his strength.

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