Fruit of the Spirit: How to Grow in Gentleness

The spiritual discipline of Confession will help us to be gentle with others. In Galatians 6:1, gentleness is mentioned along with an awareness of our own weakness. We will be less inclined to being harsh and stern with others when we see our own sin.

Jesus, in Matthew 7:3-5, painted a word picture of a man with a log stuck in his eye trying to help another person get a piece of sawdust out of his. Jesus was warning us to look at own sin, before we try to help others with theirs.

James 5:16 tells us to confess our sins to one another. Now, confession does not have to be public. It does not have to be to a member of the clergy. It does not have to be expressed to anyone but God. However, sometimes confession before others is not only helpful but necessary for our spiritual health. Confessing our sin before even one other person who can pray for us and hold us accountable can make a big difference in overcoming sin.

The Apostle John, in I John 1:8-10, makes it clear that we all sin. God will forgive us if we confess our sin. Why? Because he is faithful and just, even if we are not. Every believer should memorize I John 1:9 and remind themselves of this often.

So what is involved in true confession? Some common steps of this discipline include: asking the Holy Spirit to examine our life; honestly naming our sin; considering the why and the consequences; being genuinely remorseful; promising to turn from the sin and asking forgiveness.