Part 3: Sermon on the Mount Series: The Value of Gentleness

Jesus calls our attention to another attribute that he valued: Gentleness. In Matthew 5:5 (NASB), Jesus said, “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” Amazingly, we feel the way to achieve what we want is to fight for it and be forceful and abrasive. Jesus points out that there is a blessing to those who are gentle. 

How does gentleness help in our marriages and relationships? Gentleness prepares the environment for difficult discussions. Proverbs 15:1 (NASB) states, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Wow! Such wisdom was expressed thousands of years ago. 

In a typical unhealthy argument, person A says something harshly or hurtfully to person B, which provokes person B to say something harsh in return. To turn this into a productive conversation, start by being purposeful and gentle with your words. Take a moment to think about what you are going to say.

An example of a harsh conversation would look like this:

Person A: Why are you such a slob? You never pick up after yourself. 

(Harsh words of name-calling and accusations)

Person B: What about you? You never clean out the bathtub when you are done, and you are filthy. (Wrath was stirred up, and more name-calling, accusations, and hurtful words)

A gentle conversation could look like this:

Person A: Sweetheart, when I come home and find clothes on the floor, I feel frustrated and taken advantage of because I have to pick them up so I don’t trip on them. Will you please pick your clothes up off the floor? Thank you. I love you. 

Person B: I was rushing and meant to pick them up. I’m sorry. I will be more careful in the future. I love you. 

Prayer: God, help me speak gently to others this week, especially my spouse. Help me to think before I speak and to consider the consequences of the words that I speak. In Jesus name, thank you. 

Want to know more about how to have a Rockin Christian Marriage? See our website: www.coachustoday.com. We offer Christian relationship coaching. Explore music by Celeste on the site. Follow us on Facebook (Christian Relationship Coaching). 

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