Galatians 6:1 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. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
This passage of scripture teaches us how to respond when one of our church family may be overtaken in a fault. The spirit of meekness, and the willingness to bear each others' burdens will go a long way in restoring the erring one. There are times in our christian experience when those who may have had many years in the faith do err, and at these times we may be tempted to think that on account of the years of experience with Christ, that such and such errors or sins should never be committed. But we must remember that the only way in which any human being could stay the course with Christ, is by beholding Him constantly, and by having regular communion with God each day.
Sometimes in life, a well established Christian may become weary in well doing, and as a result they may let go of Christ temporarily, by trying to do the right thing in their own strength. Whenever these instances occur, the Christian becomes vulnerable to the assaults of satan, and may end up sinning, and so the utmost care should be exercised in restoring the one who is at fault, lest in trying to help, we do more harm than good.
Case in point is David, who had enjoyed sweet communion with God for many years, the likes of which many of us have never experienced. Yet it was when he became self-confident, and slacked off from prayer and study, that the enemy of souls made a strategic attack on his soul, and he fell for the temptation which was to be the beginning of his undoing.
In circumstances such as these, it does no one any good to begin pointing fingers, or scolding in a manner that will build up walls. Especially should we be careful to follow the instructions of Christ, by keeping the matter as private as possible, so that reconciliation and resolution can be fostered in as Christlike an environment as possible. Let's read:
Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
This will call for humility and great tact that is born of The Holy Spirit, but it can be done in a restorative manner, that will smooth the way for reconciliation to take place in the true spirit of brotherhood. Let us therefore look unto Jesus, and pray before we try to help anyone who has been overtaken in a fault, for it is the will of God that the ministry of reconciliation be a living reality in our interactions with each member of the royal family of God.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to follow in the footsteps of Christ, and God will enable us to be agents of change for the better, whenever a fault or error in others needs to be addressed. Let's read:
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!