It's time to head back to school! No matter your stage of life, it's never too late to learn - and the wisest among us are always learning. Some of Jesus' greatest knowledge for life comes from his mountain-side teaching points we commonly call "The Beatitudes." Many of his lessons are blunt and may make us uncomfortable; but if they are applied, will help us succeed in life - the most important thing we will ever manage. In this series you will learn how to overcome the things that would hold you back, how to repair relationship, and how to live with satisfaction and joy.

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
    for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
    for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
    for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Matthew 5:3-11

"God blesses the broken road" The hope choice is when, despite my hurts and sorrows, I choose to earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, that he will heal my brokenness. -- It's time to head back to school!

“Gentle on my mind” The Humility Choice is critical because every other choice depends on the depth and sincerity of this one. It means that I humbly surrender to God and covenant to live gently with people.

The Humility Choice

In our hard-driving, ego-driven, market-driven culture we don’t hear much about humility and gentleness.

But God says humble/gentle people are the strongest people on the planet. The earth will be theirs.

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
Matthew 5:5

Humility (gentleness) is strength under control.

Humility diffuses conflict.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
If your boss is angry with you, don’t quit! A quiet, gentle spirit can overcome even great mistakes.
Ecclesiastes 10:4

Humility disarms critics.

Your conversation should be so sensible that anyone who wants us to argue will be ashamed because there won’t be anything to criticize in anything you say.
Titus 2:8
The Lord’s servant must never quarrel; instead he must be kind and gentle with everyone. He must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.
II Timothy 2:24

Gentleness/Humility is persuasive.

Gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. A gentle word can get through to the hard-headed.
Proverbs 25:15
A wise, mature person is known for understanding, the more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.
Proverbs 16:21

Gentleness/Humility is attractive.

As a man of God, pursue what God approves of: godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
I Timothy 6:11
You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
I Peter 3:4

Gentleness/Humility communicates love.

Husbands, love your wives and be gentle with them.
Colossians 3:19
Do not irritate and provoke your children to anger. Do not exasperate them to resentment, but rear them tenderly in the training and discipline and counsel of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

Gentleness/Humility earns respect.

A woman of gentle grace will be respected.
Proverbs 11:16
Moses was a very meek and gentle man. In fact, he was more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.
Numbers 12:3

Humility is a witness to the world.

Believers should never speak evil of anyone, nor be quarrelsome. Instead they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone.
Titus 3:2
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
I Peter 3:15

Humility makes me like Jesus.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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 11:28-29

BOTTOM LINE: Humble, gentle people have strength under control, and the whole world belongs to them.

NEXT STEPS:

Pray the prayer every day.
Pay close attention to your words and actions this week.
Open yourself up to a trusted Christ-follower who knows you well and ask them to evaluate how you need to be gentler and humbler.