Restore Gently

My Sermon from Galatians chapter 6 on restoration. I encourage the church in how to reach out to those who have fallen into sin, or other wise fallen away from God and the Church. Unlike the Inquisition, and how so many Christians have handled the hurting and broken, Jesus shows us a better way. This passage also gives us certain words of caution so we do not stray as we reach out to help others by believing ourselves to be superior, or falling into the same trap.

1 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. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load.

6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

~Galatians 6:1-10 NASB