”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.
Galatians 6:1New International Version (NIV)
Galatians 6:1 Devotional
Restore that person gently
“Restore that person gently”, drawn from Galatians 6:1, should be the mantra of every spiritual Christian when dealing with someone caught in a sin. And the word “caught” as used by Apostle Paul means, “trapped” or “entangled”, in Greek (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Therefore, when a person in your circle is trapped or entangled in sin, you ought to restore that person gently. That is the biblical way, the way of grace.
Galatians were harsh and judgemental
However, the Galatian Christians, who valued legalism, were harsh and judgmental to the offenders amongst them. Therefore, they were in the habit of attacking others for their offenses. But what the Galatians needed was to extend mercy to the offenders in their midst.
Restoration
This is because dealing with someone’s sin should always have restoration in mind. It is the spiritual thing to do – the spiritual solution. And it is never about punishing the guilty.
Remember, sin is damaging. It traps or entangles. And when that happens, other believers need to come to the rescue and help restore the offender’s life back to where it’s supposed to be.
Moreover, in Galatians 5:19-20, Paul wrote: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”.
Restoration is a priority and responsibility
Therefore, the priority (and responsibility by extension), is and should always be restoration (and reconciliation). That is, moving toward making things right again, and doing so gently (without harming).
Additionally, James, in chapter 5 of his letter wrote: “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back (19), remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (20). Therefore, restoring a sinner is a noble undertaking.
Meaning that when you have an opportunity to restore someone’s broken relationship with Jesus Christ, you are to use a spirit of gentleness and kindness. That way, when the person is restored, they are not encumbered with ongoing pain and emotional scars.
Consequently, restoring an offender means helping them experience freedom from sin in their life (Galatians 5:1). And while you are restoring someone, you need to watch out so that you don’t fall into the sin that had entangled them.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord Jesus, I am humbled that You have given me a huge responsibility. I now understand that my responsibility is all about getting the “sinner” back to where they should be, by helping them get back to where they belong, and watching that we too are not tempted. Help me be able to restore with gentleness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible reading
Genesis 22-24 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
