Gently Instruct

Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth” – 2 Timothy 2:25

In the 1980s, Psychologist John J. McGee developed a method called “gentle teaching”.

He said: “Gentle Teaching is about unconditional love. It recognizes that many people are burdened with memories of distrust and fear and that their hearts are broken. It focuses on teaching them a sense of companionship. Through this process, violent behaviours begin to disappear and new ones emerge.”

From the “Gentle Teaching” website: “The central purpose is to nurture; teach; and sustain a sense of companionship, connectedness, and community for those who have repeatedly experienced an existence of disconnectedness, isolation, and loneliness.”

In the early years, gentle teaching was especially known as an approach for helping people with intellectual disability and severe behaviour problems. It was found to be effective in using it with children and an approach to human relationships in general. It can be applied in the family, at school, at work, etc.

The Lord desires us to give gentle instruction to bring about desired change and glory to Jesus. Praise the Lord for the gentle instruction you have had in your life and seek to gently instruct others.

The gentleness of Christ is the the most beautiful adornment of the Christian!

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1