“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1–2 NAS95).
Anyone who has been involved in a physical restoration process, such as a home, car, etc., knows that success depends on many different factors. The same is true of spiritual restoration. In the verses above, the apostle Paul highlights several factors that are important in restoring someone caught up in sin.
First, restoration is best done by someone who is qualified and has experience. Paul refers to that person as “spiritual.” In the context of the letter to the Galatians, that is the person who is endeavoring to live and be led by the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:16,18,25).
Second, restoration should be done gently. This is no time for recklessness or heavy-handedness. A bad situation can be made worse by one who approaches the offender with an attitude of moral superiority or impatience. The numerous examples of how Jesus dealt with sinners provide excellent guidance in this area.
Third, restoration should be done carefully. In this case, Paul isn’t referring to the one being helped. The warning is for the helper -- the one seeking to restore the wayward one. The temptation is always there to become ensnared ourselves. Perhaps the reference is to the sin of the one we are trying help or maybe it speaks of the temptation to help in the wrong kind of ways. Either way, we need to guard against becoming the next victim of sin.
Fourth, restoration is a natural outgrowth of the care and concern we should have for one another. It is just one way, among many others, of “bearing one another’s burdens.” If we are looking out for each other as we should, we won’t hesitate to step in and help where we can.
Do you want to be a restorationist? Paul shows us how!
God loves you!
Mike
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