By: Lisa Wilmore
There are many people we encounter who are broken and demoralized because of mistakes they have made in their lives. Believe it or not, some of these individuals are christian believers who have “come short of the glory of God”.
These believers are those we love and admire, yet circumstances have caused them to be overtaken in a fault.
In reality, a number of these persons were once members of our churches and perhaps family members who strayed away. Yet, no one took on the assignment of encouraging and helping them through their troubled times. As a result, 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 sisters in Christ, do you know of a fallen christian brother or sister who needs strengthening through your encouragement and restoration assistance. To your knowledge, is there anyone who has been overtaken in a fault in which you could remind them of Christ’s love?
It is important to realize that it is our responsibility to restore persons who have been overtaken in a fault. When others have fallen short, we must provide them with wise counsel in order to aid them in obtaining a repentant heart.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church of Galatia saying, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
So, if individuals fall short, those who are spiritual should help make them 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 persons from their fallen state of being? Because, we are subject to fall short and be guilty of the same fault in which our brother or sister is guilty 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).
For this purpose, we must restore our fallen brothers and sisters with the love of Christ.
Ultimately, Jesus, our Savior, consistently extends his hand to everyone who will come. As christians, we also must extend our hand to help others who have been overtaken in a fault.
