A Spirit of Restoration - November 19

Read Galatians 6:1-2

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Reflect

According to Paul, as brothers and sisters in Christ, what responsibilities do we have for each other?

We live in a “gotcha” culture. What I mean is, our culture seems to relish a scandalous news story, especially if it involves a celebrity or a person in a highly visible or powerful position falling from grace. Isn’t that sad? It’s as if we enjoy watching sin destroy other people’s lives. Maybe because it makes us feel better about ourselves?

But in today’s verses, Paul tells us that as believers, this should not be. If our fellow brothers and sisters are caught in sin, our reaction shouldn’t be “Ha! Gotcha!” We shouldn’t take to social media to spread the scandal and gush the “juicy news” to the local gossip grapevine. However, we aren’t commanded to ignore their sin either.

Instead, Paul said that those of us who are walking with the Spirit should gently restore the person who was caught in sin. In other words, our heart should always be to help them rather than to shame them. We should always be pointing our fellow brothers and sisters away from the dangers of sin and towards the blessings of walking obediently with the Spirit of God.

This is easier to do when we remember one thing: “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” This quote has been attributed to different people over the centuries of church history. Regardless of the original author, the heart behind the proverb is humility. It is a recognition

Earlier, we read in Galatians 5:26 that Paul urged those in Galatia who were walking in step with the Spirit “not to become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Rather than looking around us with our noses in the air, waiting for others to stumble and fall, we should keep watch on ourselves. We aren’t above temptation. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter echoed Paul’s warning to watch out. He said, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

When we humbly recognize that each and every one of us are capable of stumbling and falling into sin, it should soften our hearts towards our fellow believers who have stumbled and fallen into sin. Their struggle should break our hearts and move us with compassion.

But, while our hearts should be soft towards our brothers and sisters, our hearts should never be soft towards the sin that trips them up. We are not commanded to ignore the sin that is tripping up those around us. We are not commanded to affirm their poor choices and sinful behavior. On the contrary, we are commanded to humbly and gently intervene with the hope that by lovingly speaking the truth to them, they will be restored and begin walking obediently with the Spirit again. We are commanded to pursue holiness ourselves and to encourage the pursuit of holiness for everyone in our Christian family.

Friends, all of us have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). But while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Why? Because He loved us enough that He wanted to restore our relationship with God. May we have the heart of Jesus toward those who have been caught up in sin in our midst. May we love our brothers and sisters in Christ too much to let them carry on in sinful and destructive behavior.

Respond

Lord, I know that I am vulnerable to stumbling and falling into sin. Please keep me from temptation and give me Your heart towards my brothers and sisters who have got tripped up by it. Help me to lovingly communicate Your truth so that those who have drifted back into sin may be restored. Amen.

Reveal

Think about someone in your life who seems to have drifted—maybe they’ve pulled away from church, old friendships, or healthy habits that once brought them joy. Instead of assuming they don’t want to talk, reach out this week with genuine care. Send a simple text or invite them to meet for coffee—not to “fix” them, but to remind them they’re not forgotten. Ask how they’re doing, really listen, and, if the moment feels right, share a time when you struggled and someone helped you back on your feet. Restoration often begins with a small act of humility and love, and your willingness to go first might be what helps them take their next step toward healing.