Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. (Galatians 6:1-3)
This passage directs qualified believers to be available to minister restoration to fellow believers who have fallen aside or been trapped or bound by sin. John 11:44, illustrates this principle of restorativity freeing the bound/trapped/fallen. Following Lazarus's being raised from the dead, he is still encumbered with his grave clothes...a man with a new lease on life, still needing release from the trappings of the past (the linen strips--grave clothes).
Note that Jesus told His disciples to, "loose him and let him go," entrusting the completion of the miracle He began to the and ministry of those He assigned. Today, Jesus Christ still entrusts the reborn/forgiven soul to the ministry of caring disciples wherever or whenever bondage's residual to an individuals past threaten his or her growth in the family of God. In one's new life, forgiveness of all sin is secured instantly through justification by faith in Christ, but additional ministry is often needed to help with breaking old sin patterns.
The Greek word for restore (katartizo) was used to secular Greek for setting broken bones, and in Matt. 4:21 for "mending" nets.
Considering yourself: See 1 Corinthians 10:12
If we believe we are too spiritually mature to fall, we should beware! The Bible portrays the sins of past spiritual leaders as a warning to us to remain humble and open to correction. We each need to reassess our personal walk with God in honesty before Him. Each of us will be held responsible for our actions and attitudes.
Be sober in your self-assessment. Employ only Jesus' life and the teachings as your standard for judgment not the performance of others.
New Spirit Filled Life Bible
Father, help me not to focus on the mistakes or deeds of the people in contact with me. Rather, let me have a heart to forgive people and not judge them. For those who are down, I pray I will encourage and lift them up. I know that I am what I am, by your grace and your grace alone. I also pray that my actions will bring honour to you. Let me be sensitive to your Spirit. I pray in Jesus name. Amen
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