“I am gentle.”
– Jesus (Matt. 11:29)
There are many words Jesus could have used to describe himself. But he said gentle. “I am gentle.” Remember that the next time you are tempted to condemn someone due to a relapse or some other mistake.
Be gentle.
There is someone else who needs you to be gentle. You. Go easy on yourself. Practice good self-care. When you fall short, react, but don’t overreact. Seek God’s help and move on. Let me suggest three tips for being gentle toward your own recovery.
- Celebrate small progress.
- Do something fun each day.
- Never define yourself by your worst day.
Recovery Step: Jesus was gentle. Do what he did. Be gentle, as well.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
