[353 words]
Most folk are eager to confess the faults of others, while seldom confessing any of their own. Often this is prevalent among Christians, who should know that their ethical standard is in reverse when they engage in such action. Instead of gossiping about a brother or sister whose behavior is inconsistent with Christian standards, our noble calling is to lovingly assist the fellow Christian who has fallen back to spiritual health.
Galatians 6:1-2 is a key passage of instruction about attitude of heart, and the Christian manner of reclaiming a fallen fellow Christian. The New American Standard Bible renders it this way: “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”
While consulting half a dozen other translations, William Barclay gives the following rendering in his Daily Bible Study Commentary: “Brothers, if a man is caught out in some moral slip-up, you whose lives are dominated by the Spirit must correct such a man with the spirit of gentleness, and, as you do it, you must think about yourselves, in case you too should be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
None of us have immunity from being taken in a trespass. The one who has fallen could be your father or mother, brother or sister, child, or even you! Realizing this sets the tone for proper attitude in approaching a sheep that has gone astray. All of this must be taken into account, along with no compromise of any biblical principle or command.
Now some quotes from extra-biblical literature, by those who must have been greatly influenced by Scripture:
“The next time you are tempted to pick out faults in your brother, take time to count ten—ten of your own” (Anonymous)
“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults or resolution enough to mend them” (Benjamin Franklin).
Now, you take it from there!
John Simpson
via Four Mile Hill Church of Christ
Searcy, AR