Restore In Love
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
In a sermon entitled “Carry Each Other’s Burdens”, Pastor Brian Bill said:
“I’ve not watched a lot of the American Idol TV show, but I’ve seen enough to know that Simon Cowell, one of the talent judges, enjoys tearing down the talentless. Here are some of his cutting comments:
“If you lived 2,000 years ago and sang like that, they would have stoned you.”
“That was absolutely ghastly. I can truly say if you won, it would be the end of the American music industry.”
“That was dreadful. Is singing something you want to pursue?” The contestant thought for a second and then said, “I can take it or leave it.” With a sinister smile on his face, Simon responded, “Leave it.”
We may never have to face a relentless critic like Simon Cowell, yet many of us have experienced either the brokenness that comes from sin or we are just trying to bear the burdens that come from life itself. Unfortunately, the church is often the last place where we can find friends who will help carry our burdens. Instead of hearing words of comfort from fellow Christ-followers, those who are closest to us are sometimes uncharitable.
Everyone needs forgiveness for his or her sins. It is important to gently restore those caught up in sin. While we should not shrink away from rebuking sin in others’ lives, yet we should seek to gently restore them to faith in Christ.
“Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” – Psalm 80:3