Gentle Restoration

Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
 
WE remember that gentleness is one attribute of the fruit of the Spirit. Paul urges us to be gentle and spiritual with one caught in a sin. A gentle, spiritual person is willing to speak quietly and privately amid the tumult of another’s troubled heart. People respect a voice that lowers the volume of discord. A gentle spirit is open to quietly hear one’s confessions and struggles. Jesus promised gentleness in Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke (teaching) upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. See the connection with gentleness and rest.
    To be caught in sin refers to one who has a sinful habit. The sin has “caught” that person in the sense he is unable to escape its influence. He needs restoration because the sin has broken him. How does one gently restore another?
    This is a difficult challenge, isn’t it? First of all, we might wonder if we are qualified to help restore one from sin. When Paul refers to you who are spiritual, he speaks to those whose hearts seek to know Jesus’ truth for their lives. They are not without sin but are devoted to working through their sin into a living faith. A heart for Jesus helps turn others’ hearts to him.
    To restore someone requires skill, time and consistent effort, doesn’t it? For example, to restore a broken-down car to run effectively takes time, knowledge and the correct parts for both the engine and the body. In a like manner, artists restore paintings when they carefully and slowly remove elements that disfigure the original scene. Restoration of physical objects takes a skilled gentleness. The new and the old must be carefully joined.
    To restore someone from sin requires a devotion of time to gently remove their harmful habits. We must then add the right thoughts and actions to another’s life.
    What parts does a person caught in sin need? He needs humility to confess, “I have sinned.” He requires assurance to know God cleanses his sin when God hears his confession. Separation from the sin will retore him from its damaging influences. Encouragement will direct him to stay true to Jesus’ teaching. Fellowship of believers will surround him with Jesus’ grace and love. He should consistently pray, “Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil.” A good, lasting restoration comes from reading and living God’s incorruptible Word.
    Paul also warns us to watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Sometimes the sinner tries to influence the helper. People want to be justified in their sin. If they can influence others to join them, they will find comfort in their rebellion. You must be cautious of people who reject your help.
    The church can carry each other’s burdens with encouragement, prayer and love. We must walk alongside people who need help. When people are confronted with their sin, they can be thankful and seek restoration. Or they can reject the correction.
          Jesus came in gentleness to restore the world to him. Take up his teachings to reject sin and help others to do the same.