When you catch someone in sin, don’t condemn them, but gently restore them. Carry each other’s burdens. When catching a fish in a net, we can cut it in half, and it would die. Or we can set it free by gently untangling it.
We can carry each other’s burdens, and that’s the beauty of the church. When you catch someone in sin, whether it is greed, pride, bitterness, sexual sin, or stealing, don’t condemn them; gently restore them.
My heart breaks for people who avoid church because they’re caught in sin and fear the roof will cave in! The church should be a place that gently restores them. A burdened shared, is a burden halved. This is how we fulfil the Law of Christ: by loving God and loving people. Galatians 6:2 sums this up.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.
Gently Restored by the Spirit
What a beautiful picture of the New Testament Christian. As a pastor, nothing shocks me anymore. I think I’ve come across people committing almost every sin known to man, and I’ve also seen many people restored back to a righteous life, led by the Spirit.
The key word is ‘gently’ That’s how Jesus changed everything. He restored people gently, like the woman caught in adultery. The Law said to stone her; the Pharisees called for her death. But Jesus said, He who is without Sin, cast the first stone.
One by one they all dropped their stones and Jesus said. ‘Where are your accusers?’ Then He says, ‘Go and sin no more’. He restored her gently, but not so she could go and keep doing the same thing, asking forgiveness. He then firmly, but gently said, ‘Go and sin no more.’
Father, give me your heart for those caught in sin to be gently restored by the Holy Spirit. Thank you for those who’ve restored me gently when I’ve sinned. I pray to have your heart of grace and restoration. Amen.
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