BCIC Gentleness Sample

Gentleness Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.”

I THESSALONIANS 2:7

DAVID’S KINDNESS TO JONATHAN’S FAMILY “And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.”

II SAMUEL 9:7

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Mercy

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Gentleness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

Lesson 1:

Speak Kindly to Others

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: David’s Kindness to Jonathan’s Family

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 31:26

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Value People

11 Bible Story: John Attends to Those in Need 12 Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 2:7 13 Activity: “You Are Special” Bouquet

14 Lesson 3:

Handle Things with Care

15 Bible Story: Isaac and the Stolen Wells

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

16 Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:20

Illustrated in Life

17 Activity: “Don’t Drop It!”

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

18 Lesson 4:

Avoid Harshness

19 Bible Story: Rehoboam’s Grave Mistake 20 Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:1 21 Activity: A Soft Heart or a Rough Heart?

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources 22 Gentleness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Day by Day” 25 Hymn History: “Day by Day” by Lina Sandell Berg 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Gentleness?

Read aloud and discuss what gentleness means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of gentleness is “showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others.” Gentleness builds on several different character qualities. A person must first experience the love of God for himself and realize God’s love for others. After love, alertness recognizes the needs around him. Alertness requires wisdom to discern what level of involvement is appropriate. Wisdom paves the way for compassion to empathize with a person’s need and take suitable steps of action. Gentleness is the final touch, carrying God longs to care for us as out the act of compassion a mother hen cares for her chicks. (See Matthew 23:37.) in a tender and thoughtful way. Lacking gentleness, a person’s loving intentions may actually cause more harm than good. However, as you experience the tenderness of God in your life, the more God will enable you to gently minister to others for Him. “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (II Corinthians 1:4).

The opposite of gentleness is harshness. In the absence of love, we will lack gentleness. Selfish motives, wrong priorities, and a limited perspective can cause a person to make demands sharply and “run over” others to accomplish his goals. Beware! If this attitude

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creeps into your thoughts or actions, remember that “a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19). Do not rudely demand your way at the expense of others. Ask God to help you look beyond yourself to the needs of others and to replace your harshness with His love and care. “But he [Jesus] turned, and rebuked them [His disciples], and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them . . .” (Luke 9:55–56).

Jesus is our example of being gentle. Truly, Jesus was a “gentle man.” The term “gentleman” does not indicate weakness, but a strength that is disciplined. A gentleman behaves properly at all times. A gentleman is kind, yet firm.

He can comfort the downhearted and defend the weak. His Satan is like a cruel thief who has no concern for others. “The thief cometh speech is gracious, not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to never demeaning, destroy: I am come that they might and his intention have life, and that they might have it is to treat all with more abundantly” (John 10:10). respect. A gentleman handles all things carefully, whether people, situations, or possessions.

He is courteous and calm and discerns the needs of others. God enables us to be gentle—not weak or timid, but gentle like Jesus!

Gentleness in Scripture A

s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed

by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

GENTLENESS KEY VERSE “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.” I THESSALONIANS 2:7

The Character of God

Gentleness in My Life

We see examples of gentleness in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out gentleness daily.

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God shows His gentleness through the lessons He teaches us during our trials and afflictions.

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(See Isaiah 40:11.)

(See Psalm 18:35.)

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God tenderly cares for us, both in times of rest and in times of distress.

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Jesus was known for the graciousness of His words, even among those who ultimately rejected Him.

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Jesus valued little children and blessed those who were brought to Him.

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(See Mark 10:14, 16.)

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Jesus demonstrated gentleness when: He raised a young girl to life, kindly aided the grieving parents by keeping the crowd outside, held the girl’s hand, and called for food to be brought to her.

(See Luke 8:49–55.)

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The Holy Spirit produces gentleness in believers’ lives as they walk in the Spirit and not according to their flesh.

(See Galatians 5:22, 25.)

Whom do I know that might appreciate attentive, careful assistance? When I help them, Who else am I helping?

(See Matthew 25:39–40.)

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Am I quick to reprimand others, or do I purpose to help them grow in the Lord?

(See Galatians 6:1.)

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The Holy Spirit prays for believers when they do not know their need or how to ask.

(See Romans 8:26.)

How can my thought life yield pleasant words?

(See Proverbs 15:26.)

(See Luke 4:22.)

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How do I treat my pets? Am I a kind or cruel owner?

(See Proverbs 12:10.)

(See Psalm 23:1–4.)

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If I follow Christ’s example of leadership, will I demand compliance or lead gently?

How am I instructed to respond to other believers who offend me?

(See Ephesians 4:31–32.)

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Instead of jumping to conclusions, how can I be a good listener?

(See James 1:19–20.)

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Do my words bless those who hear me?

(See James 3:9–10.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Speak Kindly to Others INTRODUCTION

David’s Kindness to Jonathan’s Family

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our words carry great power! Your choice of words and the tone you use can bring healing or pain. For example, when you admit you are wrong and ask for forgiveness, you have taken an important step in rebuilding a relationship. A warm welcome or a grateful “Thank you!” goes a long way in showing you care. Carefully chosen words spoken in a soft tone can calm or lessen another’s anger. Pleasant words can promote healing. Choose to speak with thought and sensitivity because people can be hurt when they hear ridicule, teasing, or criticism. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). The next time you are tempted to raise your voice, demand your way, or say harsh or critical words, remember that God’s desire is for your tongue to speak blessing and life to others.

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GENTLENESS Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1

David’s Kindness to Jonathan’s Family

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avid and Jonathan had been close friends.

Jonathan was the son of King Saul, and David,

Speak Kindly to Others

child in her escape, loyally saving the royal family.

Now many years had passed. One day as the new king,

the son of Jesse, was anointed to be the next king

David, remembered his friendship with Jonathan and

of Israel. Recognizing David’s calling, Jonathan had

the covenant they shared, he wondered if any of

asked David to covenant with him. The two friends

Jonathan’s children were alive. Committed to fulfill-

made a promise that would extend to the lives of

ing his covenant with his childhood friend, a search

their descendants and would honor God. Years later,

began. The first clue came when King David’s men

Jonathan and his father were killed in battle. King

found Ziba, who had been a servant of King Saul. Did

Saul’s household had panicked at the news, fearing

Ziba know of any living relatives? Who might still be

for their lives with a new king coming to the throne.

alive that David could speak kindly to and keep the

The servants scattered. As they were fleeing, one

promise that he made when he was young?

caring servant remembered Jonathan’s five-year-old son, Mephibosheth. Hastily, she snatched the young

Let’s read the Bible story in II Samuel 9:1–13 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What was the covenant between David and King Saul’s son, Jonathan? (See I Samuel 20:12–17.)

5. What words of kindness did David speak to Mephibosheth? (See II Samuel 9:6–7.)

What kind acts have you promised to do for someone? Have you followed through yet?

2. What did King David say he would do to any survivors in the house of Saul, his enemy? Why? (See II Samuel 9:1.)

Were you ever prompted to reach out to someone when others might find it unusual? How does God want you to treat your enemies?

(See Matthew 5:34–38.)

3. What did King David hear about Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, that would require extra gentleness? (See II Samuel 9:3.)

How could you demonstrate extra gentleness when interacting with shy children? The ill? The elderly? The disabled?

What gentle, reassuring words could you share with someone who is afraid or in distress? What comforting Scriptures could you share?

(See Psalm 84:11, Zephaniah 3:17.)

6. How did Mephibosheth respond to David’s kindness? (See II Samuel 9:8.)

In what ways have others shown gentleness in their care for you?

7. What did David graciously give to Mephibosheth?

(See II Samuel 9:9–10.)

Who do you know that has a need right now?

What could you give or say to demonstrate love to them?

4. Who had been showing personal care and concern for Mephibosheth? (See II Samuel 9:4–5.)

8. Years later, what kind words of gratefulness did Mephibosheth speak to David?

(See II Samuel 19:28.)

How is your family meeting the needs of others?

How can you help?

Who has been gentle toward you? Have you thanked them?

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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Philippians 2:20–21

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!

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OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

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Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

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Timeless resources to show God’s character relfected in creation

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