Two issues are being addressed in this short passage. The first is our attitude toward others who are struggling and the second is about guarding our own hearts so that we do not stumble.
The way we respond to another who is struggling will be a factor in how we are affected by their failure. We are instructed to, “restore him gently.” To restore one gently we must have the goal of restoration rather than rebuke.
Our focus must be on the one being restored rather than focusing on the sin he has committed. When we do focus on the brother and his needs we will deal gently with him and patiently restore him. When we focus on the sin we open ourselves to be influenced by the sin.
I have been the victim of my own sinful folly and it was the loving restoration of people who had my interest at heart that helped me to be restored from my failure. That experience many years ago has helped me to be more loving and gentle with others who are struggling with failure.
Focus on the brother (or sister) – they will be restored and you will not be influenced by the sin. Choose to look beyond the sin and see the need for restoration.
Prayer: Lord, give me a heart that is firm in righteousness and gentle in restoring my brothers who have stumbled in their walk. Give me wisdom to discern how to gently restore. In Jesus name, amen.
Message: Our focus must be on the one being restored rather than focusing on the sin he has committed. Focus on the brother (or sister) – they will be restored and you will not be influenced by the sin. Choose to look beyond the sin and see the need for restoration.
Affirmation: I will gently work to restore my fellow believer who has fallen. I will be careful that I do not fall into the same behavior.
Reflection: Give some thought to the two ideas that are presented here: Restoring the fallen and guarding our own spirit. Consider what it means to “restore him gently.” And consider what must be done to guard against falling into the same temptation.
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