Gentleness (meekness) – strength under control; boldness with humility (Ephesians 4:2, Galatians 6:1, 2 Timothy 2:25, 1 Peter 3:15)
Come to Jesus, who is gentle! (Matthew 11:29)

KNOW YOUR PLACE!
Before God – boldness to come to Him (Hebrews 10:19), humbly depending on Him (1 Peter 5:6)
Inwardly – laying aside filth to receive the Word
Before others – bold to share truth (Acts 4:29), humbly valuing others more (Philippians 2:3)

Cultivate Jesus’ gentleness by the power of the Holy Spirit!

1. Decelerate your anger

How quickly do you go from zero to angry?
Take time to calmly reason!

• You can’t be gentle when you’re ruled by having your own way. (James 4:1-2)
• You can’t correct a situation with sinful anger! (James 1:20, Prov 15:18)

2. Decelerate your speech

Take time to filter your words!

• Guard what comes out of your mouth! (Proverbs 29:20, 10:19, 17:27-28)
• It’s much easier to start fires (James 3:5-6) than to put them out!
• Let your filter prompt necessary heart change! (Luke 6:45)

3. Accelerate your listening

In those moments, what truth are you inputting into your life? (James 1:21, John 18:37)
Hurry up and listen!  Prioritize understanding others! (Proverbs 18:13, 20:5)

• Ask questions and be quiet!
• Build bridges gently!

Reflection questions available here.