Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

Summary

In my sermon to middle school students, I focused on the theme of gentleness, a vital aspect of the "fruit of the spirit". I explored the qualities of gentleness through discussions, biblical references, and interactive games, emphasizing that gentleness should not be mistaken for weakness but is rather a form of controlled strength. By engaging the students with questions and examples, I highlighted the importance of being gentle in their daily interactions and challenged them to apply this trait in their lives, particularly in how they treat others. Through storytelling and practical applications, I encouraged the students to recognize the power of gentleness and its impact on personal relationships and self-conduct.

• Dinner Table Discussion Guide

  Here are five dinner table discussion guides you can use throughout this week to get your teens talking through what they’re learning.

  1. Understanding Gentleness:

     • Discussion Starter: Pastor Amanda talked about gentleness as a form of controlled strength. What does that mean to you?

     • Follow-up Questions:

       • Can you think of a time when someone showed you gentleness? How did it make you feel?

       • Why do you think people often confuse gentleness with weakness?

  2. Gentleness in Action:

     • Discussion Starter: During the sermon, various examples of gentleness were given. Can you share a scenario from school or with friends where you could apply gentleness?

     • Follow-up Questions:

       • How might gentle responses change the outcome of conflicts?

       • Discuss a time when it might be difficult to be gentle and how you might manage that.

  3. Biblical Perspectives on Gentleness:

     • Discussion Starter: Pastor Amanda used scriptures to discuss the 'fruit of the spirit'. How do you think gentleness is portrayed in the Bible?

     • Follow-up Questions:

       • How can you use biblical teachings to improve how you treat others daily?

       • Why is it important to cultivate gentleness as a Christian virtue?

  4. Role Models of Gentleness:

     • Discussion Starter: Think about people in your life or characters from stories who exemplify gentleness. Who comes to mind, and why?

     • Follow-up Questions:

       • What characteristics do these role models have that you admire?

       • How can you emulate these characteristics in your own life?

  5. Applying Gentleness at Home:

     • Discussion Starter: How can we as a family practice gentleness with each other at home?

     • Follow-up Questions:

       • What are some specific ways we can show more gentleness in our daily interactions?

       • How might our home environment change if we all made an effort to be more gentle?

• Sermon Outline

  Starter

  • Interactive questioning about past topics covered, such as self-control, joy, and peace.

  • Introduction of today's focus: gentleness.

  • Brief engagement with the students to hear their initial thoughts on what represents gentleness (e.g., puppies, babies, etc.).

  Message

  • Explanation of gentleness as a powerful attribute, not a weakness.

  • Discussing biblical references to gentleness, including how it fits with other fruits of the spirit.

  • Integration of personal stories and analogies to illustrate the concept (e.g., the big strong man who is unexpectedly gentle).

  Dig Deeper

  • Examination of scripture passages that highlight gentleness (Colossians 3:12 and 1 Peter 3:3-4).

  • Discussion on how these scriptures apply to personal attributes and societal expectations.

  • Interactive session with the audience to discuss the outward vs. inward manifestations of beauty and strength.

  Application

  • Encouragement of personal reflection on how to apply gentleness in everyday interactions.

  • Group activity: guessing game that metaphorically demonstrates "power under control."

  • Practical steps for the students to identify and support people who are treated harshly or unkindly.

  Conclusion

  • Summarizing the importance of gentleness in the life of a believer.

  • Call to action: Challenge for each student to consciously practice gentleness throughout the coming week.

  • Closing prayer focusing on the empowerment to embody the fruit of the spirit in daily life.