THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART# 73)

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3371

THE GLORY OF GOD ( PART# 73)

From Glory to Glory ( Study #52)

Walking By The Spirit #22
The Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness #5

HOW TO CORRECT SIN WITH GENTLENESS?

This is a tough question to answer.

Jesus is our best example. To the woman taken in adultery, He moved in compassion and said to her -  "Neither do I condemn thee"  but "Go, and sin no more." ( John 8:11 ).

He exhibited tough love - with words that were both firm but gentle.

We tend to think it is gentle to go easy on people and try to justify actions that God has called sin. Or to let someone continue in sin without speaking the truth.

But Paul says, "If anyone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness" (Galatians 6:1). 

This does not mean to be so soft that the sinner does not realize he has sinned. It means to confront the brother or sister in a manner that is in line with Scripture—to be mild, loving, encouraging, and clear about the holiness that God calls us to.

Abba Father, give us the spirit of wisdom on how to minister and admonish others in love, discernment, and gentleness.

Let us not be overly critical nor judgmental in the manner in which we call out the sins of others. Teach us to be objective without offense - how to hate the sin but to love the sinner as the cliche goes!

Gentleness means giving up the right to judge what is best for ourselves and others.  You are not as concerned with our comfort as You are concerned with our spiritual growth, and You know how to grow us far better than we do.

Gentleness means that we accept that the rain falls on the evil and the just and that You may use methods we do not like to reach our hearts and the hearts of others.

To live in a spirit of gentleness toward You is to accept Your judgment on people and issues. 

Let us call sin what You have called sin. But let us season our words with grace not condemnation towards sinners who like us are accepted in Christ once there is true repentance on their part.