2. BEING LIKE HIM Gentleness Rom 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

3. 2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

4. Acts 17:1-9 Jewish persecutors w/a pagan mob Home invasion Dragged by crowd before authorities 1Th 1:6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 1Th 1:9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,

5. Tenderly… To cherish To foster with tender care As a father… Exhorting Encouraging imploring 1Th 2:7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 1Th 2:11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children,

6. Not speaking of false gentleness Jde 1:3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. Phl 1:15Phl 1:15-16 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

7. Why are we not gentle? 1.Others are not doing what I want them to do, maybe not what God wants done 2.I fear others will trample on MY rights 3.We’re looking for someone to serve us 4.Our sense of justice makes us want to right wrongs

8. What is your view of God Problem with grandfatherly, overlooking, accepting of anything Jehovah Also a similar problem with a God almost exclusively harsh, judging, and wrathful

9. Mat 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Mat 12:20 “A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE fnLEADS f nJUSTICE TO VICTORY.

10. 2Co 10:1-2 Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent! I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh. Phl 4:5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

11. Col 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Gal 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ

12. 1Pe 3:15-17 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

13. 2Ti 2:24-26 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

14. It is not just a command, Gentleness works Pro 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. When we are gentle… 1.We reflect Christ 2.We help others reach long-term goals 3.We show superior strength 4.We show maturity, leadership, the fruit of the Spirit