Prepared by: Adventist Elementary School–LLC

In this section, the learners are guided to known the source of true
knowledge. “If the child is not instructed aright here, Satan will educate
him through agencies of his choosing” Child Guidance, p. 17.

In this section, the main lesson is introduced to the learners in a plain

language. “The lessons that you learned from the Word you are to present
to the young minds so plainly that they cannot fail to understand” Counsel
to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 109.

in this section, the learners are assessed how they lesson changed their
worldview. “By simple lessons drawn from the word of God and their own
experience, you may teach them how to conform their lives to the highest
standard” Counsel to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 109.

in this section, the learners demonstrate practical application of the

knowledge learned. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Savour. Who will have all men to be saved, and come to the
knowledge of truth” 1Timothy 2:3-4.

LESSON 2 – GENTLENESS

1
 Gentleness is a power that seems at first glance like a weakness. But it is the power through which
by the help of the Spirit of God the strong and explosive might of the passion is harnessed in the service
of men and God. This is the main focus of this lesson.

Gentleness
Proverbs 15:1-14

A gentle answer defuses wrath. An argument can easily escalate to the point where a single harsh
word can cause an explosion of anger. If that happens, the blast can deal out sorrow and endless regret.
But a gentle word, with a feather-like touch, can remove the fuse, or whatever might trigger such
an explosion. And those who were arguing can step back, take a breath, and avoid incalculable damage to
their relationship.
In a passage dealing with trouble, Paul advises, “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians
4:5). He lists gentleness among the qualities with which we should clothe ourselves: “As God’s chosen
people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and
patience” (Colossian 3:12). And the apostle Peter says that a gentle spirit “is of great worth in God’s
sight” (1 Peter 3:4).
Many people today scorn the quality of gentleness because our times have been infected with a
belligerent spirit, preferring confrontation, the harsh demand, the merciless fight.
As you go about your day, do you prefer harshness and belligerence? Or is gentleness evident in
your words and actions? Do others see the quality of Christ imitated in you?

Heavenly Father, our spirits are weary from the warfare of this world. We long for your
gentleness. Transform our rough and harsh hearts, and give us a gentle and quiet spirit. In
Jesus name Amen.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh word stir up anger” Proverbs15:1.

After going through this lesson the learners will understand that gentleness and
meekness, attributes of Jesus, were also portrayed in the Old Testament.

Learning Targets (LT):

1. I can quote from the episode some statements to prove that David was a gentle person.
2. I can list the incidents from the story to prove that King Saul’s was so rough toward
David.

2
Performance Task:
1. I can create a symbol for gentleness in an 8 1/2 x 11-inch sheet of paper.

“Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep
your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in
peace with others” (Psalm 34:12-14).

Gentleness means that we use soft touches and soft voices. When we are gentle, we are
careful with people and with things.

Warming Activity

Direction: Select the best answer for each question.

1. What foolish thing did King Saul do?

a. Refused to fight the enemy.
b. He turned his back on God.

2. What helped Saul whenever the evil spirit tormented him?

a. David playing beautiful music on his harp.
b. Taking medicine and lying down for a while.

3
3. How God assured David?
a. God will be with him.
b. Nothing is against him.

4. How did David defeat the giant Goliath?

a. With good armour and sharp sword.
b. With slingshot, stone, and faith in God.

5. Why King Saul was jealous of David?

a. Because David became very rich in Israel.
b. Because the people love and praise David.

6. How did King Saul attempt to kill David?

a. By using his strength and power.
b. By throwing his spare at David.

7. Where did David go to escape from King Saul?

a. In the wilderness.
b. Damascus City.

8. How did David show his gentleness to King Saul?

a. By hiding in the cave together with his men.
b. By cutting off just a part of King Saul’s robe.

9. Why did David refuse to kill King Saul even in his most opportune time?
a. Because he knew King Saul was a very clever and powerful king.
b. Because he only wanted to do what the Lord would have him do.

I can quote from the episode some statements to prove that David was a gentle
person.

GENTLENESS

“Sir!”
The voice come from outside David’s tent. He stepped out and saw one of his men. “Yes?”
“The scout report someone is nearing our encampment.”
David came out of his tent. “Who? Are there soldiers?”
“No, sir. It’s just a small party of men.”
“These men could be King Saul’s scouts. Keep a close watch and report to me.”
Another man ran up to him. “Sir, I can see them; it’s Jonathan!”
“Jonathan!” David’s face lighted. “How did he find us? Go and give him and his men safe
escort into camp–No, wait! I’ll go.”
David hurried to greet the small party he could now see coming around a rocky
outcropping.

4
 “David!”
The two friends met in a flurry of backslaps and laughter. “What are you doing here?”
asked David. “Am I so easy to find?”
“God leads me to you and keeps my father from you,” said Jonathan.
At mention of King Saul, David’s face darkened. “When is he going to realize I don’t want
to take over his kingdom? God had anointed me to be the next king, and He’ll see that it happens
in His time. All I want to do until then is live my life in peace. I would like to serve King Saul.
We should all fight together against the invading Philistines!
“Recently God sent us to Keilah to rescue our people from Philistines who were stealing
grain off the threshing floors. Saul heard I was there and mobilized his entire army, not to help
fight the Philistines, but come and attack my army! Why does he want to kill me ? Sometimes I
wonder if I should gave up and join the Philistines against him. Has he considered that?”
Jonathan put an arm across his friend’s shoulders. “You don’t mean that.”
“I thought you might need some encouragement. I felt God wanted me to remind you to
stay strong. He knows what He is doing. No matter how tempted you are to be discouraged or
frightened, don’t give in. You don’t need to fear. My father will never find you. You are going to
be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you.”
Over a meal, Jonathan and David continued their conversation. After Jonathan’s visit,
David felt much better.
His life continued as it had for years. He had to keep a close watch for Saul and run when it
was necessary. He helped people wherever he could, even though he knew they might betray him
to the king. David clung to his faith and to his certainty that true strength was to be found in
gentleness. He even wrote to God, “Your gentleness has made me great” (Psalm 18:35).
Life wasn’t easy. The men of Ziph revealed David’s hiding place to Saul. “Come down
whenever you’re ready, O king, and we will catch him and hand him over to you!” (1 Samuel
23:20). When David’s spies told him about it, he went farther into the wilderness. At one point,
Saul and his soldiers were just on the other side of the mountain where he was hiding. Just when
he was about to close in on David, Saul got a message that the Philistines were raiding Israel
again. So Saul left his chase for David and went to fight his real enemies.
David knew that events like this meant God was still watching out for him. But it was still
tempting to give in to anger and vengefulness. Then one day he had his chance.
David and his 600 men were living in the wilderness of Eng-gedi. As soon as Saul routed
the Philistines, back he came for David, this time with 3,000 hand-picked troops. The deadly
game of hide-and-seek was again. Fleeing, David and his men hid in a large cave near a road that
passed some sheepfolds. They could hear Saul’s troops marching down the road, so they tried to
silently melt into shadows at the back of the cave.
Suddenly, a shadow darkened the entrance to the cave. The men tensed. David peered
through the darkness. It was Saul, and he was alone!
Quiet as a breath, one of his men whispered in David’s ear, “This is your opportunity!”
David shook his head. “I have to wait on God.”
“May be this is the day God meant! May be this is His way of putting Saul in your power
so you can you can do as you wish with him!”
Knife in hand, David crept forward. Saul had his back to him and didn’t hear anything.
David could easily kill him. Stealthily, he reached out and took hold on the edge of the king’s
robe where it lay against the rock behind him. Saul didn’t notice or feel anything. David took his
knife from his pouch and came forward. He quickly and silently cut away piece of Saul’s robe.

5
Then, just as silently, David retreated. When he reached the rear of the cave, he saw on the faces
of his men they could understand what he had done.
David felt guilty even for just that act. “I shouldn’t have cut his robe. It’s not something of
which God can approve. Saul is still God’s anointed king.”
The men remained hidden in the cave until Saul left. When he had gone a safe distance,
David went boldly out of the cave, his men behind him.
“My lord the king,” shouted David.
Saul turned and stared at David bowed low and respectfully. “Why,” he shouted to Saul,
“do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you? This very day you can see with
your own eyes it isn’t true. . . . Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of your
robe! I have cut it off, but I didn’t kill you” (1 Samuel 24:8-11).
David dropped his hand holding the piece of cloth to his side. For a moment of silence, all
waited to see what would happen. Each man knew David had taken a risk. Saul often acted like a
madman. Could he be reached by a gentle voice of reason?
Both armies waited. Then Saul moved forward. “David is that really you, my son?” Tears
were running down his face. “You are a better man than I. I have been harsh and arrogant, but
you have treated me with gentleness I did not deserve. No man in this world would have done
what you did today. God put me right in your hand, yet you were kind. May God reward you for
this!”
“Saul took another step forward. “I know,” he admitted, “that you are the next king. I also
know our land will flourish under you. Please promise me one thing.”
“What is that, O king?”
“When you come into power, swear by the lord that you will not kill my family and
destroy line of descendants.”
“I promise I will never do that,” said David solemnly.
Satisfied, King Saul turned and motioned to his men. They turned and left to go back
home.
David watched until they disappeared in the distance. Could he trust that after this
encounter that Saul would no longer try to destroy him? His men looked at him for their orders.
“We go back to our strongholds,” he told them, and they turned to obey.
As they headed back to their life of hiding, they looked at their leader with a new respect, a
mark of unmatched “GENTLENESS”.

Learning Activity1: Quote some statements from the episode to prove that David was a gentle
person.

Quoted statements of David’s gentleness

1. David said: “I don’t want to take over his kingdom.”
2. David said: “All I want to do until then is live my life in peace.”
3. David said: “I would like to serve King Saul.”
4. David said: “I have to wait on God.”
5. David said: “I shouldn’t have cut his robe.”

6
 6. David said: “I promise I will never do that.”

I can list the incidents from the story to prove that King Saul’s was so rough
toward David.

Learning Activity2: Read the story carefully and prove that King Saul was so rough toward
David by citing the incidents.

Incidents that proved King Saul’s roughness toward David

1. Jonathan said: “God leads me to you and keeps my father from you.”

2. David said: “God sent us to Keilah to rescue our people from the Philistines who were
stealing grain off the threshing floors. Saul heard I was there and mobilized his entire
army, not to help fight the philistines, but to come and attack my army.”

3. Jonathan said: “You don’t need to fear. My father will never find you.”

4. “The people of Ziph revealed David’s hiding place to Saul.”

5. “As soon as King Saul routed the Philistines, back he came for David with 3,000 hand-
picked troops.”

6. David said: “Do you listen to the people who say I am trying to harm you?”

7
 “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothed yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

Assessment

Do It

Direction: Read and understand each statement carefully and choose the best answer.

1. What was the best thing in David and Jonathan’s friendship?

a. They cared for each other.
b. They often met and talked.
c. They love to meet and eat.

2. How did Jonathan found David?

a. By God’s leading.
b. By God’s miracle.
c. By God’s mercy.

3. Why did God keep Saul away from David?

a. Because of David’s best intentions for King Saul.
b. Because Saul and David cannot be reconciled.
c. Because of Saul’s bad intentions against David.

4. How did Saul warn that he wanted to kill David?

a. By cheering the Philistines to fight against David.
b. By urging Jonathan to find David’s hiding place.
c. By mobilizing entire army to attack David’s army.

5. What did God want Jonathan to do?

a. Hide David from King Saul.
b. Remind David to be strong.
c. Support David’s war plan.

6. How can God’s gentleness make someone great?

a. God’s gentleness makes better our relations with men.
b. God’s gentleness makes us wants to be more like Him.
c. God’s gentleness transforms us to the divine similitude.

7. Why didn’t David Kill Saul?

a. Because he had waited God.

8
 b. Because he was afraid of Saul.
c. Because it wasn’t easy to do so.

8. How did David feel after cutting a piece of Saul’s robe?

a. He was proud after doing the act.
b. He was guilty even for just that act.
c. He was ashamed of his wrong act.

9. What is the main lesson of the story?

a. Kind-heartedness is life.
b. Thoughtfulness is power.
c. Gentleness is strength.

10. How David’s gentleness changed his army?

a. They looked David with new respect.
b. They served David with awesome fear.
c. They left David alone in the stronghold.

Do More

Direction: Describe how each person shows gentleness.

1. 2 Samuel 10:1-5
Answer:

2. Psalm 18:35
Answer:

9
3. 1 Kings 17:17-24
Answer:

4. 1 Samuel 24:3-7
Answer:

5. 1 Kings 19:1-13
Answer:

6. Numbers 12:1-16

10
 Answer:

7. Daniel 9:4-21
Answer:

Do Better

Direction: Explain your answer.

1. What do you think David’s men thought of his leadership?

Answer:

2. How did David show gentleness?

a.

b.

11
 c.

d.

3. Why is gentleness is important in a leader?

Answer:

4. How can one stand up for his/her beliefs while still being gentle?
Answer:

5. What do you think could have happened if David had killed Saul?
Answer:

“Be gentle showing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:2).

Performance Task: I can create a symbol for gentleness in an 8 1/2 x

11-inch sheet of bond paper.

12
 Create a symbol for gentleness. Design a border for an 81/2 x 11-inch sheet of bond
paper. Display your memory verse and symbol for gentleness on a border paper. You may
consider lamb, dove, heart, or peace symbol.

Rubrics:
Criteria Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1

The Bible verse The Bible verse The Bible verse There is no
suggests suggests rarely suggests Bible verse used
Spirituality gentleness and gentleness and gentleness and to support the
fitted to the slightly unfit to does not fit to symbol of
symbol used. the symbol used. the symbol used. gentleness used.

Very creative
Shows many Some creative No creation has
Creativity symbol for
creative ideas. ideas used. been used.
gentleness.

Very neat and

Some untidy Many untidy Very careless
Neatness tidy symbol for
errors. errors. and untidy.
gentleness.

“But in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a
defence to anyone to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet
do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15).

References

Web Page

Gentleness. http://storage.cloversites.com/pinedalechristianchurch/documents/29%20Preschool%20-%20May
%2021.pdf

13
Journal Article

Young, George. (2017, July 17). Gentleness. https://todaydevotional.com/devotions/gentleness

Book

North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventists. (2006). Fruit of the Spirit. Pacific Press Publishing
Association, Nampa, Idaho

Aycock, Don M. (1998). Living by the Fruit of the Spirit. Kregel Publication, Inc., 2450 Oak Drive Industrial Dr
NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, United States

14