1. If gentleness is like a well-trained stallion, what would your personality be if you were a farm animal— a graceful horse, a stubborn mule, a hyperactive chicken, or something else entirely?
2. The sermon opened with the idea of the “pecking order” in chickens and how humans also create dominance hierarchies. Where do you see this play out in daily life? How does striving for status affect our ability to be gentle?
3. Galatians 5:22-23 lists gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit. Why do you think gentleness is often overlooked compared to other fruits like love, joy, or peace?
4. The sermon described the ancient view of gentleness as a balance between rage and apathy. Which extreme do you struggle with more? Think of a recent situation that you responded to in the extreme. Why do you think you responded that way and how could true gentleness have changed the situation?
5. The example of the trained stallion illustrated gentleness as strength under control. How does this contrast with common misconceptions that gentleness is weakness?
6. Numbers 12:3 describes Moses as the most humble (gentle) man on earth, yet he led a rebellious nation and confronted Pharaoh. What does his life teach us about the kind of strength found in gentleness?
7. Read Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus described himself as “gentle and humble in heart.” How does his gentleness invite us to come to him and find rest? What burdens are you carrying that you need to bring to him?
8. The sermon mentioned how Jesus could have used his power to escape the cross but instead chose to submit, love, and forgive. How does his example challenge the way we respond to difficult people or situations?
9. The story of David and his father showed how gentleness can disarm hostility. Have you ever experienced a time when someone’s gentleness impacted you deeply? What are practical ways that we cultivate that kind of gentle response in our own conflicts with others?
10. Gentleness is not just for personal transformation but also for influencing others. Who in your life needs to experience God’s gentleness through you? How can you intentionally show it this week?
