Begin your discussion with a moment of quiet reflection, individual or group prayer, or whatever would be conducive to further discussion. Share with the group, as appropriate, your experiences during the week in being disciplined, in doing the journal exercises, in being more gentle with those around you, or whatever.

1. Gentleness is the inclination to be sensitive in dealing with others.
 
1. It is a virtue born of power, since it assumes a powerful or superior position. The word translated gentleness is sometimes alternatively translated "stooping down."
2. There is a slight, but important, distinction between gentleness and meekness. Gentleness is an active trait, describing how we treat others; meekness is a passive trait, describing how we respond to the mistreatment of others.
2. God's treatment of his people, and Jesus' display of God's treatment, symbolizes such gentleness.
 
1. E.g., in the midst of a description of God's power in Isaiah 40:10-26 is tucked the following verse (Isa.40: 11): 'He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
2. Likewise, consider the gentleness shown by Jesus and the salvation he offers. (E.g., Matt. 11:28-29). The word gentle is sometimes translated as restful; Jesus' whole demeanor was such that people often felt restful, comfortable, in his presence.
3. In both images, gentleness has a distinctly maternal element to it, and gentleness is often taken to be a feminine trait. See, e.g., 1 Thess.2:7-9.
 
1. For that reason, it is said that gentleness is a difficult characteristic for men. Agree?
2. Identify some male role models known for their gentleness. Identify some "masculine" characteristics that are at odds with a spirit of gentleness.
4. The purpose of the exercise is to focus on the circumstances where a gentle disposition is most appropriate.
 
1. Consider generally dealing with subordinates, or employees, or servants, or employees whose duty it is to attend to you (such as waiters or car hops). What does "gentleness" mean in such contexts? Is there a difference between a masculine versus feminine approach to dealing with subordinates? How often do you think about the comfort, the restfulness, of those who view themselves as accountable to you?
2. How often do you think about God's concern for your comfort in dealing with him? What has God done to make dealing with him easier for you? What can you do to treat others in the same way?

4/17/98