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Gentle and Lowly in Heart

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In stark contrast to the world's value system that exalts strength and aggression, Jesus Christ presents the ideal disciple and leader as meek, gentle, and lowly in heart. This stands as a bold contradiction to worldly wisdom, highlighting a clear distinction between the arrogant, abusive nature of the world and the meek, gentle nature of those in the Kingdom of God. Spiritual warfare demands that we abandon worldly wisdom and rely entirely on the spiritual weaponry provided by God, embracing the wisdom from above. The apostle Paul, in addressing the Corinthians, appeals to the meekness and gentleness of Christ, emphasizing that these qualities are not timidity but strength under control. Meekness, an internal attitude of the heart, involves enduring injury with patience and without resentment, while gentleness manifests outwardly as mildness and tenderness in actions. These virtues, listed among the fruits of the Spirit, are commanded behaviors with promised rewards for those who display them. Meekness represents a controlled anger, righteous when others are wronged but never in response to personal injury, and gentleness reflects a Christlike love that transcends human justice, showing mercy and sweet reasonableness. Jesus Himself exemplifies this lowliness of heart, declaring, "I am gentle and lowly in heart." His life demonstrates strength under control, as seen in His tender interactions with children, the woman caught in adultery, Thomas, societal outcasts, the suffering, and the woman at the well. Even during His arrest in Gethsemane, He restrained His immense power for the sake of salvation, showing meekness and gentleness as a king who entered Jerusalem on a donkey. From the cross, He prayed for forgiveness for His crucifiers, embodying supreme humility and patience amidst provocation. Paul, too, preferred to deal with the congregations in gentleness, reflecting the love of Christ rather than harsh discipline, though he was prepared to be firm if necessary. He urged believers to put on meekness and gentleness alongside compassion, humility, and patience, essential for restoring erring brethren, correcting opponents, receiving God's word, and defending the gospel with respect. These qualities are crucial for unity within the church, requiring individuals to overlook offenses and respond with soft answers to rough questions, disarming conflict through the power of gentle words. True meekness is first directed toward God, accepting His will without resistance, recognizing that insults and injuries are used by Him for chastening and purification. This inward tenderheartedness, coupled with outward gentleness, enables believers to live in harmony, esteeming others above themselves. As Jesus taught, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth," affirming the eternal value of lowliness of heart. Paul's plea for unity among the Philippians further underscores this, encouraging an attitude like Christ's—gentle and lowly in heart—urging all to let their gentleness be evident to everyone for the sake of the church's harmony.

Meekness

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Meekness is one of the hardest virtues to define. The Bible shows meekness to be strength, as the character of such people as Jesus and Moses shows.

Servant Leadership: Practical Meekness

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Much has been said and written about leadership in the church in the past several years. Godly leadership is an outworking of the virtue of meekness.

Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 2)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Good manners are not just an accomplishment, but a duty that everyone must practice in order for society to move smoothly.

The Role of the Outcasts (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David F. Maas

A humble spirit is a teachable and moldable spirit, but a haughty, self-satisfied, pride-filled spirit cannot be molded or shaped into a godly vessel.

Delusions of Perfection

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.

The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.

Living By Faith: Humility

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Paradoxically, God stoops to us when we humble ourselves. Humility produces honor from God; if we humble ourselves, He will hear us.

Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Day of Atonement, when God commands us to afflict our souls, is a day of self-evaluation and repentance to seek unity with Him and our brethren.

Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Once we accept God's sovereignty, it begins to produce certain virtues in us. Here are four of these byproducts of total submission to God.

Poor in Spirit (1997)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Being poor in spirit is a foundational spiritual state for qualifying for God's Kingdom. Poor in spirit describes being acutely aware of one's dependency.

Grace, Faith, and Love

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Pride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.

Walking With God

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

'Enoch walked with God,' but what does this mean? To walk with God requires these five attributes that we all need to strengthen in ourselves.