RESTORING A BROTHER

November 12 

Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each of you looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Galatians 6:1

Everyone desires to get along with others. It is no different in the Church where we ultimately desire to honor God in all that we do. It is sad that sin sometimes pops up in our relationships with others. Sometimes it is us who has sinned. Other times someone around us has sinned. Either way the responsibility of the believer is to first turn to the Lord.  

In Galatians 6:1 we are given some regulations for our attitudes when dealing with some serious departure from the will of God. Many other passages might instruct us in such a time. For example, you could read: Matthew 7:1-6; 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. Here in Galatians we are reminded not to rush into such situations lightly. The believer ought to approach in several ways.  

1) “You who are spiritual” – First, we see a preliminary condition for us to approach another person who has sinned. We need to make sure we are right with God so that we will not be found to be a hypocrite. If we neglect this we will find that we have mishandled the situation terribly. 

2) “Restore...in a spirit of gentleness” – Second, there is a humble and gentle disposition on the part of the one confronting another. We are not ultimately looking to get back at anyone or give out punishment. In the end, God will make all things right. 

3) “Looking to yourself” – Neglecting our own heart will result in our drifting from the Lord. We are often weaker than we think and need to be careful so we do not commit sin ourselves.  

Matt Foreman