April 02nd, 2017

 10 Concerns in the Christians Walk with God – Part 7

7. Restore a Wounded Friend
All Christians now and then will make a mistake and fall into sin. The Bible commands us in 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.” 
 
As Christians, we have some duties. The spiritual Christians are to restore the fallen. We are to do it with prayerfully and carefully. Christian duty is not to condemn or criticize the wayward brother, but is to restore him to a proper position. As brethren had fallen into such sin, it was the duty of those who were spiritual to restore them. In the restoration process, there must be discipline and repentance, but those who are spiritual should aim to restore that person with gentleness.
 
We see here, that someone has fallen into sin and we see how we are to restore them. The first reaction we should have when another Christian falls into sin is restoration; and repair back to completeness. Notice: The word “restore” means to repair or mend; what has been broken. This fallen brother needs someone to tenderly help him. He needs to be restored and reinstated with all gentleness. In the ministry, we are taking broken lives and letting God put them together.
 
Patiently, we are to deal with him, helping him to confess and forsake his sin and be restored to spiritual health. The spiritual brother is to restore the one who is overtaken. Not just anyone in the church should do this, but a spiritual brother, one that is spiritual with an attitude of restoration. He is to restore the fallen one in the spirit of meekness; not meanness. When someone falls we are to help them get back on their feet without harsh criticism. As God’s children we need each other to help us through those times. Yes, there are real impacts from sin that cannot be ignored or overlooked. But rather than writing people off because they have done wrong, we need to humbly reach out to them in love and do what we can to help them put the pieces back together.
 
We need to consider ourselves; although we are saved we too can be tempted. We are to take a good look at ourselves and realize that we have weaknesses and may be tempted to fall (Romans 7:18). Notice: If it were not for the grace of God we would be doing the same thing. Application: We can all be tempted with the same sin that this person has been overtaken in. One day we too may fall and we will need help from a spirit brother in Christ to restore us one day. We are all capable of sin.
 

• What do you do when a brother or sister falls because of sin?
• Do you go to them and try to restore them?
• Will you decide to be a spiritual brother and do your part to restore the broken?
• If we are not willing to help people with problems, we have no one to whom we can minister.
• Pray for GOD to help you be spiritually mature to rebuild lives.

 
Prayer, Heavenly Father, too often I see others who are stranded on the highway of life. Help me to be more passionate concerning the care and restoration for others who have fallen. As Your Word and Spirit does surgery on their heart may they understand that only You can satisfy their longing soul and fill their hungry heart. Amen.