Day 1- GENTLENESS AND RESPECTFUL

Read Mark 12:28-31
When God says your “neighbor”, He means everyone around you.
How can you love the people around you? List who is around you.
Are your “neighbors” always believers?
How can you love your “neighbor” who is opposed to the gospel?
How can you love your “neighbor” as you defend the gospel in front of him/her?

GIVE IT A TRY

Think about someone who is your enemy who you can show kindness to. Let the Holy Spirit show you who and how. Pray to prepare yourself and when you’re ready, go do it.

Day 2- GENTLENESS AND RESPECTFUL

Read Matthew 5:44
What does God ask you to do for your enemies?
How can you love your enemies? Do you pray for your enemies?
Do you think prayer is important in your defense of the gospel?
How can you love your enemies when you defend the gospel?
Is listening to your enemies a way you can give them love and attention?
Read Proverbs 24:17
What does God ask you not to do? What should your heart be towards your enemies?
If your only goal is to prove someone wrong, do you think you will rejoice when they make a mistake? Should your goal be to prove someone wrong or inspire life change?
Read Matthew 9:13
What did Jesus feel for those who did not know Him?
How can you have compassion for someone who opposes what you believe?

Day 3- GENTLENESS AND RESPECTFUL

Read Mathew 7:12. How should you treat others?
When you are defending the gospel and making your case for Christ, what would you want the opposition to do for you? How could you do the same for your opposition?

Day 4- GENTLENESS AND RESPECTFUL

Read Philippians 2:3-4
What could defending the gospel out of selfish ambition look like?
If you consider others before yourself, what would this look like as you defend the gospel?
Read Ephesians 4:32. What does God ask you to do in this verse?
Read Luke 23:34
What was Jesus’ attitude toward those who opposed Him?
How can you have the same attitude as Jesus to those who oppose the gospel?

Day 5- GENTLENESS AND RESPECTFUL

Read Romans 13:1-3
Who should you respect? Why should you respect your authorities, even if they don’t believe? Who are authorities in your life and how can you respect them?
How can you respect an authority figure who does not believe, but also defend your faith? (Think about this for teachers, parents, guardians, coaches, etc.)
How does “continual evangelism” talked about in Month 1 help you lay a good foundation of gentleness and respect with anyone opposed to the gospel?