Galatians 6: 1 - "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."
What does Paul mean in this passage? The word caught in this passage can carry the meaning of one who was taken by surprise by sin. Scripture says we are to restore such a one. The word for restore, katartizo, means to mend, to furnish completely. The tense of the word in the Greek is a continuous present tense. It is the picture of a broken bone being set and mending.
The church is not to let one who has been seduced by the enemy to suffer in unnecessary bondage and guilt about their relationship with the Father. The fallen person must recognize their failure and take responsibility for what they have done. Satan seduces, but we are still responsible for our reactions to his schemes. The fallen person must then repent and receive the message that God wants them to learn through this failure. Then, the fallen one must respond to God's chastisement with gratitude.
Jim Elliot is quoted as saying, "The result of the law of my God is perfect. It condemns but forgives. It restores - more than abundantly - what it takes away."
God finally warns in the above passage - "Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." We must be careful that the deceiver doesn't come in cause deception in our lives. We can easily begin to think - "Well, I'll never be tempted in that area." Our Adversary will take full advantage of our attitude of pride.
If you are one called to hep restore, or you are one who needs restoration, today pray - pray to intercede, pray for purity in your life.
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