By Lisa Wilmore
There are many people we encounter who are broken and demoralized because of some mistake they made in their life. Believe it or not, some of these people are Christian believers who have fallen short. These believers are those we love and admire, yet circumstances have caused them to be overtaken in sin. Interestingly, a number of these persons were once members of our churches and perhaps family members who strayed away from the family of God. Yet, no one served as the culprit to encourage and aid them in their restoration. They were left to wonder if anyone really loved and cared enough about them to help bring them back from a place of darkness and despair.
My brothers and sister in Christ, do you know of a fallen Christian brother or sister who needs strengthening through your encouragement and/or correction? Is there anyone you can reach out to who has been overtaken in a fault in which you could remind them of Christ s love? Let me remind you that it is our responsibility to restore such a one when they have been overtaken in a fault. When they mess up, we should provide wise council to them in order to help bring them to repentance.
The apostle Paul specifically wrote to the church of Galatia that Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Galatians 6:1). So, if an individual is caught in any kind of wrong doing, those who are spiritual should help make him right again. However, this act of assistance must be done in a gentle and loving manner. Why is it important to be gentle when helping to restore someone from their fallen state of being? Well, we are subject to fall short as well. We also could be found in the vey place we are trying to help bring them out of.
James, Jesus brother, reminds us to help others who have moved away from their faith. Consequently, if a believer wanders away from the truth, and another believer helps that person come back from darkness, he will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins (James 5: 19-20). It compels us to gently restore our fallen brothers and sisters with the Love of Christ. Jesus, our Savior, consistently extends his hand to everyone who will come. As Christians, we also must be found extending our hand to help others through prayer and encouragement.
