Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself so that you too will not be tempted.
— Galatians 6:1 —
Julio Alfonso García Cruz: Word of Grace Biblical Seminary | Mexico
Biblical spirituality is opposed to pride and contempt. It seeks not to reject and refuse, but rather to renew, rebuild, and restore. Those who are spiritual will not treat a fellow believer who has sinned with harsh words or haughtiness; instead, they will carefully and gently consider how to help such a one be turned from sin and nurtured back to strength. The focus is not on other Christians’ faults, but rather on how we respond to them. Use your spiritual strength not to crush the sinner but to help him stand. God commands us to help those who fall into sin with gentleness and humility. How do you react when you see others fail and sin? Are you impatient, frustrated, disgusted, or worn down by it? Or are you gentle with their shortcomings, eager to see their hearts renewed and their relationship to God restored? This really matters. Disobedience at this point can divide a church, but faithfulness to the biblical way brings healing and life to a congregation. Paul said, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1). Use your spiritual strength not to crush the sinner but to help him stand. There are many injured saints who need to be restored, and we must carefully watch ourselves, lest we find ourselves tearing them down rather than building them up. We are a family. We should treat one another as beloved siblings. “So then, while we have opportunity,” adds Paul just a few verses later, “let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10).
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