Helping those who Struggle. Galatians 6:1.
Dear Beloved Family,
One wishes that all believers would remain true to God and never yield to the allure of sin. However, things are different on the ground. Too often we fall into sin and cause others to also stumble and sin. How should we handle a brother or sister who falls into sin?
Certainty.Though Paul uses the conditional “if”, the preceding treatment of the works of the sinful nature and the subsequent warning that those who practise such will not inherit the kingdom of God (5:19-21) is a strong indicator that things were not as one would have wished them. People had been “overtaken in… trespass”.Whether we like it or not, sin in the Christian community is a reality we have to deal with.
Compassion. The aim of “those who are spiritual”, meaning those who are mature in their walk with Christ, should be to fully restore the fallen brother or sister as gently as possible. Part of the reason for this gentle approach is that sin hurts the sinner and most fallen people are already remorseful. We must resist the temptation to make others feel bad about their sins. We are not God’s conviction agents.
Caution. None of us is immune to temptation or too strong to fall. In the process of restoring the fallen brother or sister, we must be vigilant, lest we also fall. Many well-meaning Christians – even pastors have fallen into sexual sin while trying to help someone out of sexual sin. Others have been trapped in the pride of thinking that they are better, holier, and superior to the sinning Christian and their pride is already a fall. Yet others have got impatient and grown resentful about sinners who seem to have “got away with it” or who keep slipping and falling. The risk of falling is always there. Let each of us beware of the trap.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.