I remember a time when I was witnessing to some people, and I asked one of them “why they did not want to accept Christ.” Their answer surprised me and honestly broke my heart. They responded, “Why would I want to join a group of people or religion who treats their own worse than someone they don’t know?”
After hearing this, I remember going home and weeping because of their response. As I sat there weeping, I remember opening my bible up to Galatians 6:1-5, which says, “1. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
This passage broke me even more because I remembered so many stories of men and women of God failing morally and those who should have restored them, ostracizing them, which made me grieve even more. Specifically, because we tend to overlook this scripture when it comes to helping one another.
For some reason, we like to put them on blast so the world can see that this believer sinned and failed God when, in all actuality, we have and will sin again before it is all over. After all, remember that this flesh is at war with the Spirit. So why not lift one another up in prayer and the spirit of gentleness, dealing with them how you would want to be dealt with?
So, instead of beating them up with our words and actions, why not lend a hand to your fellow believers, not condoning their sin but encouraging them and helping them back to their feet?
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