The Christadelphian Bible Journal
September 003 Volume 1 Number 9
In Galatians 6:1, the Apostle Paul provides the believer with fundamental guidance for approaching brethren who have experienced a moral lapse. He declared: "Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted."
When dealing with a brother who has engaged in wrongful behavior, we should first bear in mind that we, too, have missed the mark. Often the only difference is that his sin is known publicly, while ours is not. There is no guess work to this. The Word of God informs us in clear terms that such is the case (cf. 1 Jn. 1:8).
Losing sight of our own position before the Deity can have dire consequences. It is during such a state wherein we forget our own failings, that we sometimes seek to correct an offending brother by placing a yoke upon his neck that we ourselves would neither be willing nor able to bear.
This form of hypocrisy is very difficult to detect in ourselves. Nevertheless, we must guard against it with the greatest of care, for it lies in wait for us at every turn of our walk. Moreover, this evil can be just as harmful to our eternal welfare, as the moral problem could be to the brother whom we are trying to "help."
Who among us, therefore, is spiritual enough to assist one who has been overtaken in a fault? The answer may be determined by how we propose to deal with the problem. Will it be according to the flesh, or the spirit? Here we must be both prayerful and introspective (Psa. 139:23-24; cf. 2 Cor. 13:5).
In considering ourselves, we might ask the following questions: Will the approach to our brother be in the spirit of meekness? Specifically, what have we learned about our own moral failures. Have we examined these both thoroughly and honestly? Do we understand that all of us, though undeserving, have been the recipients of God's mercy and forgiveness? Will this realization result in both a humble and merciful attitude that can be readily perceived by our brother? Are we prepared to confess our faults to him (Jas. 5:16)? Will we provide evenhanded assistance on his road to recovery?
With respect to the outcome, such a spirit in us could mean the difference between success or failure. There is nothing more tragic than one sinner thoughtlessly confronting another sinner over wrongful conduct. Caustic pronouncements about others are just as bad, perhaps worse, since we frequently get carried away with an audience desirous of ear-itching. Sadly, this type of behavior has been the case among us all too often. I've been guilty of it. All of us have.
Conversely, if our manner is consistent with the mind of the Spirit, then we will have faithfully discharged our responsibilities as brethren and sisters of Christ. Most importantly, in so doing, we will have the best opportunity to restore our brother to his essential place in the ecclesia.
--Bob Widding