“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
Paul instructs us to carry each other’s burdens in verse 2 and then instructs us in verse 5 to carry our own load. There is no contradiction nor dichotomy in these 2 statements for a deeper look into these first 6 verses of Galatians 6 will reveal the tension involved in helping a brother or sister who is caught in sin.
Living in the Spirit is required - don’t attempt to help anyone with sin if the fruits of the Spirit described a few verses earlier are not present in our lives, and be absolutely sure that we are being led by the Spirit, and in step with the Spirit.
Realize that when we seek to involve ourselves into someone else’s spiritual life, we are fulfilling the law of Christ - which is to love one another- this is an act of love, and the qualities of love described in 1 Cor 13 should guide our approach.
Self examination is a required perquisite – not in a comparative form - us against them - but soberly consider ourselves against ourselves- as our Lord told us in Matthew 7 – take the plank out of your eye first!
Instruction in the Word is what rebuke and restoration is supposed to be all about - it should end with the person learning and loving the person who instructed them.
It always amazes me how consistent the bible is from cover to cover about things like loving one another by keeping one another accountable to our Lord through His Word.
Oh, that what is described in Galatians 6:1-6 would be evident in all of us at Parkdale.
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