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Don’t “Straighten ‘Em Out” — Restore Them!

In Galations chapter 6, the apostle Paul gives us some inspired instructions on how we are to properly restore a fellow Christian who has been overtaken in a trespass:

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1-NKJV).

This sounds like a simple verse, doesn’t it? It is simple, but many times, we abuse this verse. This verse states that we’re supposed to “restore” such a one — not “straighten ’em out.”

Let’s not immediately “run” to the elders. Let’s not go and gossip about the individual all over town. Let’s not play detective, but let’s go to the man or woman and see what we as fellow Christians can do to help them with the problems they are experiencing. In fact, the fewer people there are involved, the better it will be for the person overtaken by sin. Keep the matter as private as possible, because the man or woman has enough to deal with as it is, without adding more unwarranted stress to their plate. Let’s make it as simple as we can for this wayward member to be “restored” back into a right relationship with the Father.

Then let’s ask ourselves this question: Are we the “spiritual” ones to restore this person? Do we walk by the Spirit’s teaching? (Gal. 5:16-NKJV; Gal. 5:25-NKJV). Do we produce the “fruit of the Spirit” in our lives? (Gal. 5:22-NKJV). Is our own life “right” with God? Is our own house “in order”? (2 Kings 20:1-NKJV; Isaiah 38:1-NKJV).

If our own house is not in order, then we’re not the right folks to lovingly “restore” this person. If we’re not seeking the best interests of this individual, we’re not qualified to “restore” him or her. If we think we’ve spiritually “made it” to the top (Luke 18:10-12-NKJV), we’re not qualified. However, if we realize our own inadequacies, and then in humble prayer ask God for guidance in the matter, we may be qualified to help “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering ourselves lest we also be tempted.”

By the way, when we go to this fallen member, let’s be sure and carry a mirror with us. Before we knock on this brother or sister’s door, let’s look in the mirror, because Paul states that this brother or sister could very well be us, i.e., “considering yourself.” (Gal. 6:1-NKJV). What about our sins, our flaws, our warts, and our motives? Jesus once stated that some folks were trying to remove specks in others lives, who had planks in their own eyes (Matthew 7:1-5-NKJV).

Brethren, let’s not go to the police, or the judge in matters dealing with our fellow Christian (1 Corinthians 6:1-7-NKJV). Let’s not go with the attitude of “straightening them out.” Rather, let’s go to them with an humble, kind, and loving spirit — our only motive being to “restore” them back into a right relationship with our heavenly Father.

Oh yes — and as we go, let’s not forget to take our mirrors with us!