The Be-Attitudes - Part Iii Series

God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.

Matthew 5:5(NLT)

Let’s talk about what it means to be gentle. First of all gentleness is not harsh or abrasive. Think of cleanser commercials. Talking about how non-abrasive they are. Abrasive materials hurt and damage. A gentle person is considerate in manner. Considering the effects of their actions. Most importantly gentleness is a restraint of power. Think about a horse. A horse is a powerful animal. When all think of horses as gentle animals, but if you’ve ever watched a horse being broke in for saddling you’ll see the power unleashed.

So what are the effects of gentleness? Diffusion of volatility – Proverbs 15:1. It takes two to fight. In my days as a police officer, gentleness was my greatest tool. I would come to a conflict where everyone was yelling and screaming and I could either begin yelling and escalate the situation or I could speak calmly and soon everyone else began to calm. Gentleness builds healthy relationships – Proverbs 15:4. Abrasive personalities tend to have relationships built on fear. Love is not free to flow and there are always walls. Finally gentleness brings about a resolution of conflicts and inner peace.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger

Proverbs 15:1(NLT)

Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:4(NLT)

Lowliness is not a call to be a door mat. Instead it is the taking of an “others first” attitude. Those who choose to be lowly put service before self.

Serving is it’s own reward. The lowly in heart are not looking for rewards, for service is the reward.

The lowly person constantly compares themself to God’s greatness. When we truly seek God, we realize how insignificant we are in comparison.

How Low Can You Go??? Did you ever try the limbo as a kid? The person who won, was the person who demonstrated the ability to lower themselves. The same is true in life. Serving others defeats pride.

Yielding causes collision avoidance. Lowliness is valued by God, because it brings forth a dependence on God.

Take off your jeweled crown, says the Sovereign LORD. The old order changes – now the lowly are exalted, and the mighty are brought low.

Ezekiel 21:26 (NLT)

Those who are left will be the lowly and the humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the LORD.

Zepheniah 3:12 (NLT)

Gentleness + Lowliness = humility

The Value of Humility:

Greater appreciation for God’s love

The example given by Jesus

Complete dependence upon God

Conflict free relationships

Honored by God