Restore Gently

Deuteronomy 28-29; Galatians 6 

“Brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:1, 2

The law of Christ was that we would love one another as Christ has loved us. This love is tested when our brother or sister is caught in a sin. Our tendency can be to judge that person, gossip about them, or separate ourselves from them. Instead, Paul calls us to gently restore that person to right relationship with God and others. We restore one another gently because we recognize sin’s deception, our own vulnerability to temptation, and Christ’s incredible mercy and gentleness toward us. When we walk with each other in this ministry of restoration and soul care, we are carrying each other’s burdens to the feet of Jesus and inviting Christ to heal, cleanse, free, and restore. This ministry of caring for and restoring one another is possible because we live by the Spirit.

Do we have others who pick us up when we fall down (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)?

Are we practicing restoration in our community of faith?

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace and mercy toward me and through me toward others, for your glory.”