READING: Song of Solomon 5-8, Galatians 5:16-6:18
If we walk with the Lord long enough, we’ll likely meet some believer who falls morally. There’s nothing good about that reality, but it’s real nonetheless. The enemy is sly, and he truly does go about like a lion trying to devour its prey (1 Pet 5:8). Too often, it appears to us that he has accomplished his goal as he strikes believers.
On the other hand, Paul gives us guidance in knowing how to help this person: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Gal 6:1). While it’s not clear if the fallen one was simply caught in his sin, it is clear that God expects more mature, Spirit-filled believers to reach out to him. They are to “restore” him, as if they were setting a broken bone and returning it to its original strength. They are also to do so with gentleness, always fighting against pride and superiority over the one caught in sin. At all times, they are to guard their own heart, lest they fall into the same trap. None of us is ever immune from the enemy’s attacks.
Thus, we live in the tension of holding one another accountable to holy living, restoring others with gentleness, and guarding our own hearts. May God help us to do this process well if we face this kind of situation.
PRAYER: “Lord, please make me sensitive to those around me and grace-filled to those who fall.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 1-2, Ephesians 1
