Although there are chapters
and verses in the Bible, they were not in the original manuscripts.
They are there for our easy referencing of verses, and aid us in
finding the thoughts and ideas that are presented. In the
twenty-sixth verse of chapter five Paul the aposle said, “Let us
not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one
another”, and he continues his thoughts about the Galatians
behavior toward one another in chapter six and verse one where he
wrote:
Brethren, if a man be
overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in
the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be
tempted.
Let us
note first the fondness that Paul has toward these church members. He
addresses them as “Brethren”. After all the straying from the
truth, after all the controversy, and after all the disputing with
them over the false teaching of the Judaizers, Paul still calls them
“Brethren”. This in itself should demonstrate for us how
we are to be with others if they get away from the truth at times.
Paul
continues, “if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are
spiritual, restore such an one.... Paul knows there is the
potential for anyone to be “overtaken in a fault” which
means someone might succumb to temptation by surprise. This does not
denote a willful and deliberate transgression, but rather a failing
and falling back into a former sin. When this occurs, Paul says, “you
which are spiritual” which does not necessarily mean a
minister, but rather those who are attuned to spiritual things such
as the fruit of the spirit, “restore such an one”. The
word “restore” means “to reset like a bone that is out
of place.” When someone falls, we are to employ the fruit of the
spirit and lovingly restore them so they may function again.
Paul
continues his exhortation with the manner and reason we are to
restore those who are overtaken in a fault. He said, “...in the
spirit of meekness;” The manner in which someone is restored
is also very important. The Galatians and we might be tempted to
restore someone in anger and disgust when they fall, however, if we
employ the fruit of the spirit, we not only will restore them, but we
will also do so in “meekness” which is strength under
control. Although we might be able to destroy them for their fault,
we do not do so because of Paul's next words, “considering
yourself, lest you also be tempted.” In other words, the next
time it might be us who falls. We should think, “what if I had
failed? How would I want to be treated?” before we bring down
judgment harshly upon another person. Paul knew we are all subject to
falling into temptations, so when this occurs, we should reset one
another that we might be able to function once again.
What is
our reaction when we hear or see a fellow believer in Jesus fall? Do
we boast in our own confidence and behavior? Do we condemn them for
their failing, or do we attempt to restore them? Perhaps our
meditation should be surrounded by “what ifs” today concerning
those who we deem “brethren” or “sisters”should they fall.
How would we be? What would we say, and how would we respond to them
should their fault come our way? May the Lord bless us with the fruit
of His Spirit that we might be spiritual enough to restore them once
again.
Next time we will see what Paul says about bearing one another's
burdens, so read ahead, and let us join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look for
the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation
to Generation” in all major
bookstore
sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to
e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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