Restore a Wounded Friend
This present world which we live in is broken due to the curse of sin going back to the garden of Eden in Genesis 3. As the result of man’s sin, the world, also mankind, which was perfect at one time, became imperfect. That is why every relationship since the first family has needed and will always need reconciliation with God. This can only be received through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Below are at least three ways friendships can be restored. 1. Godly friends will help bring us to the Lord in our helpless estate (Luke 5:17-19). Here, four men brought a paralyzed man, on his bed to Jesus. Obviously, this man could not get to Jesus on his own. There were four men who were willing to do whatever it took to get this man to Jesus. As we journey in this world, we cross paths with numerous people. Although they may not be physically paralyzed, but spiritually, they are buckled under the weight of sin and are in desperate need from the help of believers to carry them to the Lord. 2. Godly friends restore you when you have fallen (Galatians 6:1). 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 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. 3. Godly friends will help us rebound and live for the Lord (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24). We need godly friends who will tell us if we are living for the Lord. Godly friends hold you up when others will let you fall. Anyone can live a carnal life. It takes a courageous Christian to live a life that pleases and honors the Lord. We know that an obedient life glorifies God and counts in eternity. When a person is encouraged it always helps them to continue running the race the Lord has set for them. 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 with. One day we too may fall and we will need help from a spiritual brother in Christ to restore us. We are all capable of sin.
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. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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