Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Galatians 5:22-23), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Any culture’s appreciation for the quality of gentleness is a result of having been influenced by Jesus and his people. Otherwise, we live in a world where we expect the powerful to be vicious and oppressive, where the weak cannot show their vulnerability for fear of being held in contempt or trampled underfoot, where the only “relief” from the fear of pain or abuse is to become calloused and manipulative. Do you know people who esteem the uniquely Christian value of gentleness, but don’t root that value in Christian beliefs? What reason or resources can someone have to be gentle apart from following Christ? What are some examples of hardness and cruelty among powerful people in the world? Would you go to people who are powerful in the eyes of the world to ask for help and expect to be treated with gentleness? Why or why not?

• Jesus is not domesticated, docile, or milquetoast. But he is surprisingly gentle; “Come to me… for I am gentle (Greek: praus, a word that can also be translated “meek”) and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt. 11:28-29). Jesus reveals the Almighty and Most High God to be gentle, meek, humble, full of tender mercy—not a cruel or exploitative tyrant like other human lords or false gods. True gentleness is a feature of divine love. The weak and lowly need his gentle love, need the reassuring and healing presence of God. You can go to Jesus and not be crushed or snuffed out (see Isa. 42:3). Is this welcome news to you? Does it surprise you to think of God as gentle and humble? Why or why not? When have you felt your need for his gentleness? Have you told someone how Jesus has been gentle with you?

• Christ’s gentleness sets us free to be truly vulnerable and gentle, to be strong in a Christlike way, without being hardened or guarded. The Fruit of his own gentleness is grown in us by the Spirit. In his kingdom, “Blessed are the meek (praus), for they shall inherit the earth” (Mt. 5:5). We aren’t just called to be gentle to our good friends, but also to those with whom we are in conflict, gently correcting opponents (2 Tim. 2:25), restoring sinners in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1). Are there specific people you find it particularly difficult to be gentle toward, with whom it’s automatic for you to be harsh, intimidating, or manipulative? Why do you think this is the case? What if you looked to Jesus and asked the Father to cultivate his gentleness in you as you relate with others? Do you want to become more gentle like Jesus? What’s the difference between true Christian gentleness and conflict avoidance?