Fruit of the Spirit · Lesson 8
Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness
Numbers 12:1-16; Matthew 11:28-30; Proverbs 15:1; Philippians 4:5 Old Testament PrincipleGentleness
Miriam and Aaron complained about their brother Moses and said, "Hasn't God spoken through us too?" Moses didn't argue or defend himself. God defended him, and when Miriam got sick, Moses' only words were a prayer to heal her. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus is gentle with us, so His Spirit helps us use our strength gently, even when people are hard on us.
Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus is gentle and humble with us, so His Spirit helps us answer softly and handle people with care.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:29 BSB
Christ Connection · Better than
Moses was the humblest man on earth, and he prayed for the sister who spoke against him. Jesus is greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3), and He is "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). "When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate" (1 Peter 2:23). He prayed for those who crucified Him, and He "always lives to intercede" for us (Hebrews 7:25). His gentleness is where ours comes from.
Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 3:3; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 2:23
The Big Story · Redemption
God led His people through the wilderness, speaking through Moses and showing mercy when they sinned, preparing the way for the Prophet greater than Moses.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 50-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Soft answer, hard answer
- Dasch’s Dig Site (bible-times history): Gentle hands
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Feather pass
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus is gentle. I can be gentle.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Soft and gentle, Color the gentle friend
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, with friends
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Miriam and Aaron complained about their brother Moses. Moses didn't argue back. God stood up for him, and when Miriam got sick, Moses prayed for her. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Jesus is gentle with us, so His Spirit helps us answer softly, even when people are grumpy with us.
Memory verse
“Learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
Adapted from Matthew 11:29
Start here
Do the soft answer, hard answer demonstration. Ask, "Which answer helped?" Say, "Today we meet a man who used a soft answer, and God took care of the rest."
Bible story 6 min
Moses led God's people in the desert. His sister Miriam and his brother Aaron were leaders too. But one day they got jealous. "Does God speak only through Moses? He speaks through us too!"
God heard them. The Bible says Moses was very humble, more humble than anyone on earth.
Moses did not argue. He did not yell. He let God take care of it. God called all three of them to His special tent. "Moses is My servant. I talk with him face to face. Why weren't you afraid to speak against him?"
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Soft or sharp? 8 min
- Call out a grumpy thing someone might say ("You're doing it wrong!" "Give me that!"). Kids answer with a soft, gentle voice and a kind answer. Give a cheer for each gentle answer.
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses out of jealousy, Moses didn't defend himself. God did. When Miriam got sick, Moses' only words were a prayer to heal her. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is strength under control. It answers softly, handles people with care and lets God defend us.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Soft answers, Pause cards
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at home, at school
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
When Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses out of jealousy, the humblest man on earth said nothing in his own defense. God defended him, and Moses' only words were a five-word prayer to heal his sister. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. It is strength under control, which answers softly, defends the faith "with gentleness and respect" and trusts God to vindicate us.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Strength under control, Gentle defense
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, online and on screens, at home
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in