Gentle Restoration

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10

Sometimes believers get themselves into wrong situations. One little temptation, yielded to, can lead to a major downward spiral that will block one’s fellowship with God and completely neutralize one’s Christian testimony. Fellowship with the Church is also hindered by such actions. When believers are not working together in the Spirit, fellowship and friendships suffer. That’s why it is both legitimate and important for a spirit-led Christian brother to speak to the carnal brother, gently, to restore that fellowship. This must be undertaken very carefully, so as not to become judgmental or even overcome by the same temptation that has ensnared the wayward brother. We must be certain of our own standing, as well as certain of the problem we seek to remedy. We must be aware of our own weaknesses, also, and guard against them.

The law of Christ is: treat your brethren with love, as you yourself would be treated. Help however you can in relieving the stressful burdens of your brethren. This does not mean to meddle in our brethren’s business in a judgmental way, but to be available with doctrinal advice, intercessory prayer and brotherly support. We must not ever be too confident of our own spiritual strength. At the very point that we think we are invulnerable Satan will strike. That’s a guarantee. Thinking we are above temptation is self-deception. In evaluating our own spiritual service and areas of spiritual strength, humility is the order of the day. Comparison of our own spirituality with that of our brethren is folly, for it leads to prideful competition. We are not saved to compete, but to serve Christ and the Church by spreading the gospel and teaching disciples.

We don’t just automatically know systematic theology from the moment of salvation. That’s why God has given us pastor-teachers to instruct us in the Word. That person should be financially and spiritually supported in his work. Pastoring done right is a full time job. The pastor must be compensated by his congregation, so he can devote his time to studying and teaching the Word of God; feeding his flock.

Every moment of every day there are decisions to be made, regarding our own attitudes and behaviors. The flesh will demand our attention as long as we are in it, but the flesh does not have to be appeased. That’s the advantage of having the indwelling Holy Spirit. We can cultivate the old sin nature, hinder the Spirit and reap corruption, or we can submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and reap the blessings of eternal life.

There is a day of reward coming, for our Spiritual service. Let’s not become discouraged in our daily devotion to duty. There is great joy in knowing we are workers together with Jesus Christ in bringing the gospel message wherever we go. Life is short. We should make the most of every opportunity for testimony of our Lord’s work.

Doing good as we go along in life is a character trait of the believer in fellowship with the Lord. That’s doing good to everyone, but especially to our Christian brethren.

Everyone you meet is an unbeliever for whom Christ died, or a believer in whom Christ lives.

Jesus Christ is always the only issue.