fruit: gentleness

gal 5:23 "gentleness ...."/ MEEKNESS

teaching (c/o CFC 2001 sep 21 st. francis church, jebel ali, dubai, uae)
meekness
> definition:
[hebrew: anava = lowliness; greek tranlation from heb = humility & meekness]
= "STRENGTH UNDER CONTROL"
= to consciously consider oneself the SEVANT of others and to consider others as deserving of one's service
=/ is not being a push over or a doormat
mt11:9 i am gentle and humble of heart

> aspects:
1. RESPECTFUL - courtesy to all even outside community (tit3:2 show perfect courtesy to all men)
2. TEACHABLE - eager to lay hold of the truth, open to other viewpoints; not opinionated or rigid on one's viewpoint of understanding; ex: "pastoral correction" (james 1:21 humble accept the word planted in you)
3. OBEDIENT - [kenosis (greek)] phil 2:8 the supreme sacrifice = offering one's own life; doing what we're instructed to do by our leader
4. NON-DEFENSIVE - not hostile in the face of abuse or attack; gentle and diplomatic way, the "pastoral correction" way
5. LIVING AS A SERVANT - "we all serve at the pleasure of god" so we should not lord it over others

> model: jesus as servant who uses his strength to serve god and others and not for self-glorification