Gentleness booklet excerpt

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

2 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 of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

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Lesson 1: Speak Kindly to Others

ever things were written aforetime were

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

written for our learning, that we through

9 Memory Verse: Proverbs 31:26

patience and comfort of the scriptures

10 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). And there

11 Lesson 2: Value People

were people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can

12 Bible Story: John Attends to Those in Need

learn from their lives as well. “Now these

13 Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 2:7

things were our examples, to the intent we

14 Activity: “You Are Special” Bouquet

should not lust after evil things, as they

15 Lesson 3: Handle Things With Care

16 Bible Story: Isaac and the Stolen Wells

17 Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:20

18 Activity: “Don’t Drop It!”

19 Lesson 4: Avoid Harshness

also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing

20 Bible Story: Rehoboam’s Grave Mistake

the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

21 Memory Verse: Proverbs 15:1

This curriculum offers many practical

22 Activity: Soft Heart or Rough Heart?

applications of God’s Word to everyday

23 Additional Resources

life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables

23 Hymn History: “Day by Day” by Lina Sandell

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Day by Day”

illustrate His character to others.

25 Explaining Salvation to a Child

26 Journal Entry and Application Chart

27 Reproducible Coloring Pages

31 Craft Template and Answer Key

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What is Gentleness?

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

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he operational definition of gentleness is “showing

yet firm. He can comfort the downhearted and defend

personal care and concern in meeting the needs

the weak. His speech is gracious, never demeaning,

of others.” Gentleness builds on several different

and his intention is to treat all with respect. A gen-

character qualities. A person must first experience

tleman handles all things carefully, whether people,

the love of God for himself

situations, or possessions. He is courteous and calm

and realize God’s love for

and discerns the needs of others. God enables us to be

others. After love, alertness

“gentle”—not “gentle as a kitten,” but gentle like Jesus!

recognizes the needs around him. Alertness requires wisdom to discern what level of involvement is appropriate. Wisdom paves the way for compassion to step in to empathize with God longs to care for us as a mother hen cares for her chicks. (See Matthew 23:37.)

a person’s need and take suitable action. Gentleness is the final touch, carrying out the act of compassion

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).

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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 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.

Satan is like a cruel thief who has no

Ask God to help you

concern for others. “The thief cometh

look beyond yourself

not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to

to the needs of others

destroy: I am come that they might

and to replace your harshness with His

have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

love and care. “But

Jesus is our example of being gentle. Truly, Jesus was a

[Jesus] turned, and rebuked [His disciples], and said,

“gentle man.” The term “gentleman” does not indicate

Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the

weakness, but a strength that is disciplined. A gentle-

Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to

man behaves properly at all times. A gentleman is kind,

save them . . .” (Luke 9:55–56).

Gentleness in Scripture Read aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.

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roverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD We see examples of gentleness in God’s character in the following ways: •

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God’s gentleness in His mercy, correction, provision, and goodness is the reason for any accomplishment in our lives. (See Psalm 18:35.)

Like a shepherd who cares for his sheep, God tenderly cares for us both in times of rest and times of distress. (See Psalm 23:1–4.)

•

Jesus was known for the graciousness of His words, even among those who ultimately rejected Him. (See Luke 4:22.)

•

Jesus valued little children and blessed those who were brought to Him. (See Mark 10:14, 16.)

•

Jesus demonstrated gentleness when He raised a young girl to life. He kindly aided the grieving parents by keeping the crowd outside. Jesus held the girl’s hand, and He called for food to be brought to her. (See Luke 8:49–55.)

•

The Holy Spirit tenderly guides our prayers when we do not know our need or how to ask.

(See Romans 8:26.)

•

The Holy Spirit produces gentleness in our lives as we walk in the Spirit and not according to our flesh. (See Galatians 5:22, 25.)

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

•

Do I lead by demanding compliance, or do I follow Christ’s example of leading gently?

(See Isaiah 40:11.)

•

Does the way I treat my pets reveal that I am a kind owner or a cruel one? (See Proverbs 12:10.)

•

How can my thought life yield pleasant words?

(See Proverbs 15:26.)

•

Who do I know that might appreciate attentive, careful assistance? When I help them, Who else am I helping? (See Matthew 25:39–40.)

•

Am I quick to reprimand others, or do I purpose to help them grow in the Lord? (See Galatians 6:1.)

•

Am I tenderhearted and forgiving toward offenders? (See Ephesians 4:31–32.)

•

Do I jump to conclusions, or do I listen patiently before speaking? (See James 1:19–20.)

•

Do my words bless those who hear me?

(See James 3:9–10.)

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

I THESSALONIANS 2:7

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Gentleness GEMs Read and discuss how you could apply each GEM. GEM is an acronym for “God Enables Me.” This phrase

even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (II Corinthians 3:18).

begins each of the ten statements that describe the

The four colored GEM statements will be the focus of

change that results as we behold the Lord and yield

the four character lessons in this booklet. Let’s read

to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. “But we all, with

together the ten “God Enables Me” statements and take

open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,

time to meditate on the Scriptures that help us under-

are changed into the same image from glory to glory,

stand these aspects of gentleness from God’s Word.

God Enables Me to . . .

Speak kindly to others.

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” PROVERBS 16:24

Discern needs of others.

“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” JOHN 4:35

Use a soft voice.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” PROVERBS 15:1

Value people.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

PHILIPPIANS 2:3–4

Consider the feelings of others.

“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” TITUS 3:2

Give comfort to the hurting.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Handle things with care.

“He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.” MATTHEW 13:28–29

Avoid harshness.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” JAMES 1:19–20

Stay calm.

“Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” PSALM 107:28–30

the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort

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Be courteous.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should

wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the

II CORINTHIANS 1:3–4

prophets.” MATTHEW 7:12

LESSON 2

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Value People INTRODUCTION People are very precious to God. He created every single person in His image. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son . . . .” He loves you so much that He made the ultimate sacrifice and died for your redemption. God desires that you value others, just as He does you. When you value someone, you give that person your time. You treat the person as important to you, showing concern for and interest in his ideas, activities, and life. Do you value your parents? Your brothers and sisters?

Friends? What about those whom you don’t know, such as people without Christ in other countries?

How do people know you consider them important? Do you offer to help them, share to meet their needs, take time to comfort them when they are sad? God will enable you to show gentleness to others as you see them as precious and of great value, created John Attends to Those in Need

and redeemed by Him.

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

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BIBLE STORY JOHN ATTENDS TO THOSE IN NEED

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ohn was one of the disciples God inspired to write

witnessed Christ’s crucifixion. The ultimate value

several of the New Testament books. He had a close

Jesus placed on people was demonstrated as He laid

relationship with Jesus. In his Gospel, John refers to

down His life to reconcile mankind to Himself. John

himself five different times as “the disciple whom

was there, openly identifying with Christ. When Jesus

Jesus loved.” For three years John followed Jesus. He

looked down from the cross, He asked John to care

saw firsthand how Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated

for His own beloved mother, Mary. John accepted this

His immense love for people. John would later record

serious responsibility from the Lord and took Mary

the gentle words of Jesus: “I came not to judge the

into his own home to care for her. Read this account

world, but to save the world” (John 12:47b). Then the

from God’s Word to see John’s expression of gentle-

day came when Jesus was crucified. John is the only

ness at the cross and how gentleness was later reflect-

one of the twelve disciples who is named as having

ed in his Gospel and epistles.

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS Read John 19:25–27 together and discuss the following questions: 1. What were John and his brother James doing in the ship when Jesus called them to follow Him? (See Mark 1:19–20.)

God often prepares us for future ministry through the lessons we learn at home. How can you work with your brothers and sisters to meet the needs of your family today?

2. What did Jesus say to help John see the value of the very ones whom he had been criticizing?

(See Luke 9:49–50.)

Are you looking for the good in those around you?

Name one thing you appreciate about each of your family members.

3. How did Jesus describe His earthly mission to John? (See Luke 9:51–56.)

Do you value people and seek to understand their deeper needs? What can you do to spread the word about Christ, Who can save people from their sin?

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4. Where was the Apostle John when Jesus was crucified? Who was with him? (See John 19:25–26.)

Who has been there for you when you were going through a hard time?

5. What special request did Jesus ask of John? How did John respond? (See John 19:26–27.)

When have you been asked to care for someone?

How did you respond?

6. What did God inspire John to write that would instruct us to care for others? (See I John 3:16–18.)

What are some specific ways you could obey the instruction John gives in this passage?

7. Who did John praise for faithfully caring for Christians and even strangers? (See III John 1–6.)

What resources does your family have that could be used for a ministry of hospitality to those in need?

LESSON 2

MEMORY VERSE I THESSALONIANS 2:7

Play the game together to help the children commit I Thessalonians 2:7 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

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

I THESSALONIANS 2:7

MEMORY VERSE GAME

DOERS OF THE WORD

Hot or Cold

In the blank below, write how this verse could be

Choose a child to be “It.” Have the child close his eyes

person shares a memory,” or “cheerfully play the

while the rest of the children agree on a spot to hide an object, such as an eraser or a water bottle. Tell him now to open his eyes and begin to search for the hidden object. The other children are to give him hints by saying the verse softly or loudly, depending on where he is in relation to the hidden object. As he looks for the hidden object, have the other children guide him to the object by saying the verse softly when he is far away from the

applied in your life, e.g., “listen politely when an older game my sister chooses,” or “help mom by holding the baby when he cries.”

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to _______________ ________________________________________.

I ask that You would develop gentleness in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

object (cold) and loudly when he is closer to the object

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply

(hot). Give different children the opportunity to be “It

this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s

until the children have quoted the verse often enough

working in your life.

that they have it memorized.

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ACTIVITY “YOU ARE SPECIAL” BOUQUET

INTRODUCTION During this character study we are asking the Lord to develop gentleness in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to make flowers to give to others to communicate their great value to God.

Supplies: Pipe cleaners of various colors • A pencil •

Instructions ROSE: For this flower you will need seven pipe cleaners: six red and one green.

1. Lay the six red pipe cleaners side-by-side and twist them together at the center. (They will look like a cat’s whiskers.)

2. Wrap one inch of one end of the green pipe cleaner around the twisted red ones to create the stem.

3. Roll up each red pipe cleaner toward the center like a snail to form the petals and arrange them in the shape of a rose.

4. If desired, make loops along the stem for leaves.

end of the purple pipe cleaner to the stem.

DAFFODIL: For this flower you will need five pipe cleaners: three yellow, one orange, and one green.

1. Lay the three yellow pipe cleaners side-by-side and twist together at the center.

2. Wrap one inch of one end of the green pipe cleaner around the twisted yellow ones to create a stem.

3. Spread out the yellow pipe cleaners to arrange them around the center point like rays coming out from the sun.

4. Roll up each yellow pipe cleaner toward the center like a sideways snail and arrange the petals next to each other, somewhat overlapping.

LILAC:

5. Cup the petals slightly inward toward the center.

For this flower you will need two pipe cleaners: one

6. Wrap the orange pipe cleaner around the tip of

purple and one green.

1. Curl the purple pipe cleaner by wrapping it around a pencil.

2. Remove the pencil, and then thread the green pipe cleaner up through the center of the purple piece.

3. Twist together the top ends of the green and purple

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4. Secure the bottom

your little finger, then slide it off and press the coils together tightly.

7. Secure the orange piece into the center of the daffodil by twisting one end of the orange pipe cleaner around the stem.

Have each child select someone (relative, neighbor,

pipe cleaners. Pull the twisted ends into the center

hospital patient, etc.) that they can give the flowers to,

of the flower just enough to hide the twist.

to remind the recipients that they are special to God!

Hymn History “Day by Day” Sing “Day by Day” and read about how the gentleness of Lina Sandell Berg’s father led her to write this beautiful hymn about the gentleness of our Savior.

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hite waves churned from under the prow of

What a sudden, terrible grief—especially for someone

the large boat as it sailed along the east coast

as close to her father as Mrs. Berg had been. Heart-

of Sweden, on its way to the city of Gothenburg.

broken, she traveled home alone. Many people would

Standing at the rail of the ship, Pastor Jonas Sandell

have been crushed to lose someone so dear. Some

and his daughter gazed at the view. They had always

might have become bitter or lost their faith. But be-

shared a close, loving relationship. As a child, his

cause Mrs. Berg’s father had pointed her to Christ and

daughter, Mrs. Lina

His love, she looked to Him and found perfect comfort

[LIE-nah] Sandell

and consolation. Comforted in this grievous loss by

Berg, was sickly and

Christ’s sufficiency, she began to write. That year

often stayed in her

alone, she wrote fourteen poems speaking of Christ

father’s study while all the other children played outside. Not only did those hours together build a special bond between them, but through her father’s tender, Lina Sandell Berg (1832–1903)

loving example, she learned to know the

sweet compassion and care of her Heavenly Father.

As she grew older, she became her father’s secretary, and for that reason she was accompanying him on this peaceful boat trip.

and His loving care: Children of the Heav’nly Father, Safely in His bosom gather; Neither life nor death shall ever From the Lord His children sever.

But perhaps her most famous poem was written six years later: Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

In later years, Mrs. Berg became known as “the Fanny Crosby of Sweden” for the multitude of her hymns and

In a single moment, however, her world changed. With

the blessing they were to so many people. Gentleness

a sudden jolt, the boat lurched. In horror, the young

is “showing personal care and concern in meeting the

woman saw her beloved father abruptly lose his bal-

needs of others.” Because Mrs. Berg had experienced

ance, totter, and fall overboard! The sailors did all they

the loving nurture and care of both her father and her

could, but they were too late. By the time they pulled

Heavenly Father, she was able to use her gift of poetry

Pastor Sandell’s body out of the water, he had drowned.

to bring great comfort and hope to many people.

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

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Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness Before reading to the children, write examples of sin (selfishness, mean words, lying, stealing, disobedience, rudeness, wrong thoughts, good actions without faith, etc.) on several sticky notes. You will also need a white bed sheet or bathrobe to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness.

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he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

Select a child to stand and represent all people.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin?

If we accept His gift of salvation, God no longer sees our sin when He looks at us!

Put the white sheet around the child.

Now when God looks at us, He instead sees the righteousness of Christ! Isaiah 61:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of right-

Now place the sticky notes with examples of sin onto his clothes.

eousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how we

Because God is holy, our sin separates us from having fellowship with Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus died on the cross and rose again, conquering death! Now we can have fellowship with God. (See John 17:3.)

thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine

can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Are you relying on the righteousness of Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and

In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16). God is holy (Leviticus 19:2).

God loves us (John 3:16).

2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23).

3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the way for our sins

His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4).

4. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

5. We receive that gift of salvation

to be forgiven and for fellow-

by confessing with our mouth

ship with Him to be restored

that Jesus is Lord and believing

(Ephesians 1:6–7). Jesus accom-

in our heart that God has

plished our salvation through

raised Him from the dead

His crucifixion on the cross,

(Romans 10:9–10).

covered, and Christ is living in you! Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

God gives us eternal life—sweet, constant fellowship in the Spirit with our Savior— and then His righteousness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

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JOURNAL ENTRY Record how God gave your family opportunities to apply this character quality.

APPLICATION CHART Searching for the rich truths of God’s Word and applying them in your life is far more valuable than discovering rubies and diamonds. Add a check mark, sticker, or initials in a diamond each time God enables someone to apply gentleness in one of the suggested ways. Let's set a goal and then celebrate, not only the accomplishment of applying God’s Word, but also our gratefulness for the work He is doing in our lives.

Carry in the groceries carefully.

Speak softly instead of reacting when upset.

Accommodate for the health needs of others.

Say a kind word to someone.

Hold open the door for someone else.

Soothe someone who is ill or in pain.

Nod and listen when someone is sharing with you.

Play nicely together without any rough words or actions.

Care for a baby.

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Visit someone who is elderly or lonely.

LESSON 2: John Attends to Those in Need

“Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home� (John 19:27).

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