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.
Sometimes we see a brother or sister in the Lord do something that is detrimental to their spiritual walk.
We see it, but they don’t seem to. “Overtaken in a fault” – it comes upon them suddenly, without them realizing it. We see the harm it will ultimately cause them and their family if they don’t change. But – they just don’t seem to see it. It frustrates us and concerns us at the same time. What are we to do?
“Restore such an one”. Restore. I think this means, in prayer. Sometimes God will open a door to speak to this person or people and use us to show them their error. But, more so, I believe we are to seek God on their behalf. Stand in the gap for them, in prayer.
How should we do it? “In the spirit of meekness.” Not proudly, thinking, “I would NEVER act like that or do that!” No! But, with love and concern. Truly desiring to help them get back on track with God.
Encouraging them. Speaking to them with love and care. Only saying encouraging words. “Is everything going okay? I just want you to know I’m thinking about you and I love you.” And, with a smile – and a hug. Just letting them know you care and you are their friend.
Pray with them at church – not making a scene – just lovingly.
Realizing in the process that, “Lest thou also be tempted.” We could be in the same situation some day. Or a similar one. How would we want to be treated? That’s how we should treat our brother or sister.
“God, please help me. If I see a brother or sister fail, give me a compassion for them and drive me to my knees to pray for them. Help me to show them I care about them, love them, and that I am their friend.”
5 Comments
April 16, 2008 at 8:59 am
What a beautiful penning! Your words ring so true. We truly know how much God is in our lives, when we desire to help those who need restoration.
Thank you, Sis. Hopper. Love ya!
April 16, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Oh yes. You said it well. Ministering in love, out of concern.
Right now I am watching someone I love dearly, struggling, making choices, and I am very concerned. Pray for me to hear from the Lord about my part in it. Thank you.
I will pray for you, Catherine. May God give you wisdom and help you to be a blessing. Love ya!
April 16, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Great post Sis. Tena,
Very thought provoking. I try my best to live by Matthew 7 1-3; Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
I hope that if I should ever become “overtaken in a fault” that you would feel comfortable enough to tell me.
Love you,
TinaE
Thanks for the added scripture, my friend.
And you do the same for me, please.
Love you, too!
April 16, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Great post, Tena. This is the kind of attitude God wants us to have toward those who are struggling. I do believe too that restoration starts with us praying for the person and then allowing God to use us to help the person in the way He sees fit. May God help us to be ministers of reconciliation.
Thanks, Sis. Carol. Love you.
April 16, 2008 at 11:25 pm
This goes hand-in-hand with Brian’s Bible study tonight. He gave a great lesson on not judging people.
Oooo…wish I could’ve heard it.
Love you.