Sermon Response Guide

Sermon Response Guide En Español

PRIMARY SCRIPTURE: John 13:3 – 5, 15

Key Points

• Gentleness = strength under control
• Gentleness is the most underrated fruit of the Spirit
• To elevate gentleness, we need:
  1) an embrace of gentleness
  2) a standard of gentleness
  3) a response to gentleness

Memory Verse

Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:

“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
-1 Peter 3:15

Questions for Reflection

Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
 
1: To be gentle implies the possession of strength. Why do you think Jesus self-identified as gentle?
 
2: What is so significant about the act of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet in John 13?
 
3: Why do you think Jesus sets an example of gentleness for his followers? Why is it important for Christ-followers to be marked by gentleness?
 
4: In your own life, how has Jesus been gentle with you?
 
5: Who has most recently demonstrated gentleness to you? How did their gentleness make you feel?
 
6: What does our devotion to one another have to do with gentleness? Likewise, what does our devotion to Jesus have to do with gentleness?

7: How is Jesus prompting you to respond to his gentleness this week? Who do you need to be gentle with? What step can you take to tangibly demonstrate gentleness to them this week?

Pray

Lord, this world is harsh, and we admit that we are, too. We are harsh to one another, and harsh to ourselves. We need your gentleness. You are the only one who is consistently gentle with us, Lord. Help us to understand why you are gentle with us. Help us to be gentle with one another. Help us to be gentle with ourselves. Help us to elevate gentleness, and in so doing, elevate you.