New Year - New You! #9 Gentleness
2026 is a new year and our challenge is to be more like Jesus and less like the person we currently are. This is what the fruit of the Spirit is all about...not perfection, but progress. It's about what naturally begins to grow in us when we are walking cl
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Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions ([email protected]).
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg ([email protected]).
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg ([email protected]).
Did you know that the church is cleaned entirely by people who attend this church? From vacuuming, to mopping, to dusting, to cleaning counters and toilets - we appreciate all of the different volunteers who work hard to make Grace Church a clean and comfortable place to be.
Right now we are looking for a few people who could commit to cleaning an area of the church each week. You would be able to set a time that is convenient for you...this is typically done in an hour or less.
Contact Ryan Hickey if you have questions or want to talk about this ministry opportunity ([email protected]).
Right now we are looking for a few people who could commit to cleaning an area of the church each week. You would be able to set a time that is convenient for you...this is typically done in an hour or less.
Contact Ryan Hickey if you have questions or want to talk about this ministry opportunity ([email protected]).
March 23 - Darlene Fisher
March 25 - Pastor Don Roscoe
March 27 - Oaklyn Dykhouse
March 28 - Willow Yargeau
March 25 - Pastor Don Roscoe
March 27 - Oaklyn Dykhouse
March 28 - Willow Yargeau
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We're nearing the end of a 10-week series called New Year - New You.
The idea behind this series is to discover the key to living the Christian life.
When a person puts their faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior, they've become a New Creation. From that moment a growing process of "transformation" has begun and continues throughout our earthly life.
At salvation, God's Spirit indwells us and becomes the source of our empowerment to live the way God desires us to.
In Galatians 5:22-23 we see that the Spirit wants to produce fruit in our lives. These demonstrate the character qualities of Jesus.
The idea behind this series is to discover the key to living the Christian life.
When a person puts their faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior, they've become a New Creation. From that moment a growing process of "transformation" has begun and continues throughout our earthly life.
At salvation, God's Spirit indwells us and becomes the source of our empowerment to live the way God desires us to.
In Galatians 5:22-23 we see that the Spirit wants to produce fruit in our lives. These demonstrate the character qualities of Jesus.
Galatians 5:22-23
BSB
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
BSB
We don't always live this way because we continually choose to return to the "mud rut" that we've always been in which is our old ways of thinking, feeling, and doing.
As we learn about each of these characteristics, we can honestly understand the difference between God's will and our will. If our heart desire is to honor God, then the Spirit will prod us to respond in a way that reflects the appropriate quality.
We have to ask ourselves, do I react in a sinful and selfish manner, or do I intentionally respond like Jesus would?
As we learn about each of these characteristics, we can honestly understand the difference between God's will and our will. If our heart desire is to honor God, then the Spirit will prod us to respond in a way that reflects the appropriate quality.
We have to ask ourselves, do I react in a sinful and selfish manner, or do I intentionally respond like Jesus would?
The 8th aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit that should be evidenced in our life is Gentleness; especially to others.
Philippians 4:5
Based on the original Greek word used in the New Testament, the word gentle or gentleness literally means "strength under control."
The term, in some versions of the Bible, has been translated "meek" but should never be confused with our idea of "weak"!
There are only two people in the Bible who are referred to by this word...Moses and Jesus and neither could be viewed as weak men. Each of them controlled their response to people and circumstances in a God honoring way.
Philippians 4:5
Based on the original Greek word used in the New Testament, the word gentle or gentleness literally means "strength under control."
The term, in some versions of the Bible, has been translated "meek" but should never be confused with our idea of "weak"!
There are only two people in the Bible who are referred to by this word...Moses and Jesus and neither could be viewed as weak men. Each of them controlled their response to people and circumstances in a God honoring way.
Philippians 4:5
BSB
5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
BSB
A practical definition for gentleness might be: "A Spirit-inspired lifestyle that responds in a calm, caring, and controlled manner."
Opposites of this word would be: harsh, mean, rude, callous, and merciless.
One writer described gentleness by saying it is like a set of shock absorbers, springs, and struts on a car. If gentleness is lacking, we are jarred, become sore, bruise easily, suffer damage, and even find ourselves in dangerous situations.
Evidence of gentleness is seen in our response to people and life in general. Do we see and treat people differently? As though we are Jesus, and as though they are Jesus!
Opposites of this word would be: harsh, mean, rude, callous, and merciless.
One writer described gentleness by saying it is like a set of shock absorbers, springs, and struts on a car. If gentleness is lacking, we are jarred, become sore, bruise easily, suffer damage, and even find ourselves in dangerous situations.
Evidence of gentleness is seen in our response to people and life in general. Do we see and treat people differently? As though we are Jesus, and as though they are Jesus!
As we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus exemplified gentleness through His humility and kindness, His treatment of and response to friends and foes, and yet He demonstrated strength and decisiveness when necessary.
Matthew 11:29
If we study His Words and life examples, the same characteristic will be slowly infused into our own life, and we will respond differently.
Matthew 11:29
If we study His Words and life examples, the same characteristic will be slowly infused into our own life, and we will respond differently.
Matthew 11:29
BSB
29 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.
BSB
No one lived with greater power and authority than Jesus. Neither has anyone lived with greater opposition and criticism, and yet, lived with greater gentleness.
- Jesus was gentle with Martha
- Jesus was gentle with the man that interrupted Him & begged for healing of his son
- Jesus was gentle with two of His followers who jockeyed for position in His kingdom
- Jesus was gentle when He was falsely arrested, tried, tortured, and killed
- Jesus was gentle when Peter denied Him three times
But one of the greatest stories of gentleness is seen in John 8:1-11.
In this story we find four general types of people:
1. The judgmental who have little mercy for the sins and errors of others
2. Those who are aware of their sin, stand guilty, and face accountability
3. Those who've looked in the mirror at their own sin & chose not to judge
4. Those who show mercy to those in trouble & gently try to restore them
Jesus was gentle. He responded in a calm, caring, and controlled manner.
- Jesus was gentle with Martha
- Jesus was gentle with the man that interrupted Him & begged for healing of his son
- Jesus was gentle with two of His followers who jockeyed for position in His kingdom
- Jesus was gentle when He was falsely arrested, tried, tortured, and killed
- Jesus was gentle when Peter denied Him three times
But one of the greatest stories of gentleness is seen in John 8:1-11.
In this story we find four general types of people:
1. The judgmental who have little mercy for the sins and errors of others
2. Those who are aware of their sin, stand guilty, and face accountability
3. Those who've looked in the mirror at their own sin & chose not to judge
4. Those who show mercy to those in trouble & gently try to restore them
Jesus was gentle. He responded in a calm, caring, and controlled manner.
John 8:1-11
BSB
1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Early in the morning He went back into the temple courts. All the people came to Him, and He sat down to teach them.
3 The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them
4 and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?”
6 They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.
7 When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”
8 And again He bent down and wrote on the ground.
9 When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.
10 Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”
2 Early in the morning He went back into the temple courts. All the people came to Him, and He sat down to teach them.
3 The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them
4 and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?”
6 They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.
7 When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”
8 And again He bent down and wrote on the ground.
9 When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.
10 Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”
BSB
To be gentle does not mean weak or wimpy. Instead it means choosing your response to life rather than simply reacting.
Today we'll look at several ways the fruit of gentleness will be evident in our lifestyle and interactions with people.
Today we'll look at several ways the fruit of gentleness will be evident in our lifestyle and interactions with people.
First—Be UNDERSTANDING, not DEMANDING.
Philippians 2:4
Philippians 2:4
Philippians 2:4
BSB
4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
BSB
Second—Be GRACIOUS, not CONTENTIOUS.
Proverbs 15:8; Romans 15:7; James 3:16-17
Proverbs 15:8; Romans 15:7; James 3:16-17
Proverbs 15:8
BSB
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
BSB
Romans 15:7
BSB
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.
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James 3:16-17
BSB
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
BSB
Third—Be a RESPONDER, not a REACTOR.
Romans 12:17, 21; 1 Peter 2:23
Romans 12:17, 21; 1 Peter 2:23
Romans 12:17, Romans 12:21
BSB
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
BSB
1 Peter 2:23
BSB
23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
BSB
Fourth—Be RESPECTFUL, not SCORNFUL.
Colossians 4:6; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:15
Colossians 4:6; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:15
Colossians 4:6
BSB
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
BSB
Titus 3:2
BSB
2 to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
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1 Peter 3:15
BSB
15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
BSB
Only God can truly change someone. If we realize that fact, then we quit trying to act like the Lord and instead, be available as His servant.
