A Gentle Response Shows Your Love

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES The Keys to a Blessed Life

A Gentle Response Shows Your Love By Rick Warren — Oct 17, 2015 “Husbands, love your wives and be gentle with them.” (Colossians 3:19 NCV) Gentleness diffuses conflict. It disarms critics. It’s persuasive. It’s attractive. And gentleness communicates love. Guys, if you’re married, the quickest way to improve your marriage is to start talking to your wife more gently. It’ll do wonders! Colossians 3:19 says, “Husbands, love your wives and be gentle with them” (NCV). Any fool can be selfish. Any fool can be rough. Any fool can be rude. But gentle men are gentlemen. A great marriage is simply the union of two great forgivers, because you’re going to hurt each other a lot in life. I’ve been married to Kay for nearly 40 years. I’ve hurt her so many times, and she’s hurt me so many times. But we’re both great forgivers. That’s a part of gentleness. Gentleness is not only the key to effective marriage; it’s also the key to effective parenting. Never discipline out of anger or frustration, but always gently and out of love. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger … but rear them tenderly in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord” (AMP). I can honestly say to you that I never remember my father raising his voice against me growing up. Was he ever upset with me? Of course. Did I ever really blow it and give him every reason to be angry? Many, many times. Almost on a daily basis! But he was a gentle man. He had strength under control, and he would not yell at me. He showed me his love through his gentle nature. Let your gentle response do the same in your relationships. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over Make it a point to respond in gentleness to your spouse and children this week. What difference does it make? How does gentleness communicate love to someone? What does it say to that person when you choose to respond gently? Is it important to you to be known as a gentle person? Why or why not? Our Gift: The Keys to a Blessed Life Study Kit What is the secret to accessing the abundant life God promises? In perhaps the greatest sermon of his ministry, Jesus gives us the keys to the Kingdom; a life of wholeness, happiness, and healing. In this 6-session video study, Pastor Rick Warren examines the Beatitudes and explores the practical steps to lead you to peace and fulfillment in your life, your work, and your relationships. LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren The Keys to a Blessed Life teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: It Depends Who You Depend On Message 2: ​​​​How God Blesses Broken Hearts Message 3: ​​​​The Strength of Gentleness Message 4: ​​​You​r Ministry of Mercy Message 5: ​How To Reconcile a Relationship Message 6: ​Handling Opposition To Your Faith PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2015 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe