Scripture
Galatians 6:1 (New International Version)
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.
Consider
The phrase “someone who is caught in a sin” can be easily misinterpreted. It does not mean someone who has been discovered sinning but rather someone who has been ensnared by sin and cannot free himself. Like a fly in a spider’s trap, this person is caught in a sticky web and needs help from others to disentangle himself.
It’s important to note that Paul speaks in this passage not to the sinner in question but to the community of believers. He says, in effect, “You who are spiritual—you who manifest the fruit of the Spirit in your daily lives—should help your brother who has lost his way and bring him back to the right path. But do so gently, with humility and love. If you are not careful, you could be the next to fall victim to sin and need the help of others to overcome it.”
Although meant for the church, this principle works well in every relationship conflict we have. When people do evil against us, instead of labeling them as wicked, we can try to see them as souls precious to God who are caught in a sticky web of lies and sin. Perceiving them as wicked stirs up our anger and resentment, but viewing them as captives of the dark forces of this world will stir up our compassion and motivate us to help them.
Indeed, choosing this perspective is the same as taking on the mindset of Christ. He saw wicked behavior as the manifestation of a desperate soul caught in a web of evil. His response was to point out the wickedness but also to extend compassion to the soul who needed rescuing. His mission was to save and restore rather than to condemn and punish. As we live by the Spirit, this holy mission must become ours as well.
Pray
FATHER, I am thankful that you are a God who desires restoration of an errant soul rather than its destruction. I offer myself to your holy work of restoration in my relationships. When someone insults or injures me, give me the discernment I need to see a hurting soul who needs grace rather than to see an enemy who deserves spiteful retaliation. Keep me close to you so that the mindset of Christ rather than the culture rules my actions.
Reflect
Philippians 2:5; James 5:19-20
Share
Which fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 would help you minister to someone who is caught in a web of sin?
Perspective and compassion are both traits we must have when things like this happen, you are right! We could just as easily become ensnared – but for the grace of God. We must walk in His truths daily, examine ourselves, and show mercy to others in order to help others become disentangled. Thank you for sharing at Life Giving Link Up!
You’ve nailed it, Ruthie! Thanks for your comment.