I think we are confusing zeal with a defense mechanism. So, I guess I'd have to do 2 things. Convince Gismy to treat the people he's hoping to reach like precious cargo.
A good shepherd feeds his sheep on loving kindness and tenderness, while he guides them. His rod and staff are used to defend the sheep, not to punish the sheep with.
And yet I am reminded of all the ways John the Baptist could have conveyed his message to the King, instead of screaming it from the bowels of the dungeon, and God never silenced him once. I love zeal.
But I do believe that a combination of zeal and brotherly love, trumps zeal and force if one is looking to impart wisdom and understanding.
But love is a two way street.
I think Gis would be tempted to tear down the defensive wall that he stands behind to throw rocks, if it wasn't also necessary to prevent him from being hit by so many rocks.
Maybe the scripture that works the best for all of us would be:
Proverbs 15: 1- 2
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
He that has knowledge, is to use it
aright, for the good of others.
My Dad would tell Gis, that you catch more bees with honey...........
and he'd tell the rest of us to be nice.