CHRISTIAN RESTORATION
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2, ESV
Theme: Make careful judgment for the purpose of restoration. While doing so, watch yourself, knowing you, too, are a sinner saved by grace.
KEEP WATCH
In Galatians 6:1-2, Paul instructs us to bear one another’s burdens under the law of Jesus Christ in order to encourage and strengthen each other.
How do you share the burdens of others? Do you walk beside them on the path our Lord has provided? Do you listen, and provide advice? Are you aware that it is God who will alleviate their suffering … not yourself? Helping to carry another person’s burden does not imply that you are taking away their pain. God has that power. Being there … holding that person upright and pointing them to Christ ...is what Paul asks us to do.
With gentleness, Jesus restored the broken and sinful. He displayed self-control, peace, forbearance, goodness, kindness, and joy. We can do the same! Yes, through The Holy Spirit! That is the core of a devoted Christian. Spirit-led Christians restore each other, relieving sin and bearing each other’s burdens.
Keeping watch on ourselves is difficult. Avoiding temptation is not easy, either. Do we always give the best advice when sharing those burdens? There are many burdens in this human world. Some are inevitable, and entirely outside of our control. As sinners, saved by grace, we must be careful in making judgements, and sharing advice.
Death, loss, illness, worry, political concerns, financial problems, grief, guilt, marital tension, addictions, traumatic events – all are weights that we can help carry. Yet we must do this through the power of Christ; not our own strength.
WHAT I DID -- WHAT I SHOULD HAVE DONE
Do you ever find yourself thinking of past conversations, wishing that you had said something different … more appropriate to the situation? I am sure we all have, and some of these stay with us years after. I remember a coworker coming to me with deep anguish. She had been wronged, was really angry, and in a place of bitterness and resentment. I could have done a better job of listening and advising. I was in a position to do so, but instead I dismissed her.
This was over forty years ago. I still remember and regret the way I responded. The believer I am today would love to have recommended a scripture reference, such as Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): Don’t worry about anything: instead; pray for everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
I find the use of Scripture’s words, whenever a serious question needs answered with a serious answer, is the best possible response. Our Holy Bible is full of good advice. It is our travel guide on this path of Christianity. It helps us make careful judgment for restoration.
Make it personal: Practice good spiritual advice (based on or quoted from Scripture) when burdens are shared. Take the time to provide answers. Only God can provide all answers and relieve all suffering. If you have time, compile a list of Scriptures that were and are helpful to you when you have sinned and need grace.
Pray: Lord, our loving Redeemer, please give us the wisdom, knowledge, grace, and peace to share Your Spirit of gentleness with all those who need restoration. We understand that it is You, Father, that alleviates all suffering. We are your front-line Christians; fulfilling the law of Christ by sharing burdens. We are thankful that our own sins have been forgiven. Strengthen and encourage us as we point to Your forgiveness and salvation that brings everlasting life. In Jesus’ Name, we say Amen.
Read: Proverbs 27:5-6; Colossians 4:2-6; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 7:3-5
Weekly Memory Verse: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2, ESV