Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
What a world of difference would be made in the life of the average church if these words of counsel were really put into effect. Too little consideration is shown the weaker Christian leader or member who stumbles. It is much easier to blame, criticize and ridicule than to help them recover no matter how distasteful their sin is.
When a brother falls, those who are spiritual are to help put him on his feet again. If we are living in close fellowship with Jesus we will be more eager to restore than to condemn. These faithful believers are more interested in undergirding with prayer than to overloading with reproach and scorn. In some churches there is more preying on those who have fallen by the wayside then praying for them to be restored.
Our ministry to an erring brother is to be rendered in a spirit of gentleness and humility if it is to be effective. A Pharisaical attitude toward the one who has yielded to temptation can put his spiritual recovery in jeopardy. Carelessness of treatment often results in lasting injury. Prayerfulness makes for carefulness. An estimate of our own attainments is a real asset in nursing back to health and strength those who have been wounded in the battles with sin. Recognizing our own shortcomings leads to a better understanding of the one we are trying to help in a moral and spiritual way.
How ready are we to give one another a lift as we travel together over the hills and valleys of life? Let us be on the alert for such opportunities and let our self-righteousness make us indifferent to the trials destroying our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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