Restoring the Fallen

The Bible tells us not to criticize, condemn, or complain about those who are overtaken in sin, but rather to restore them.

“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.” (Galatians 6:1)

Note Paul doesn’t mention the specific sin, but rather we are all capable of being “overtaken,” which means it’s a surprise or unexpected. All of us can be overtaken by sin, and like Cain, sin is crouching like a lion at our door wanting to be our master.

All of us have the same like passions, and there is always a chance that we can be overtaken as well. Therefore, Paul tells us to consider ourselves first, because we are indeed nothing, Galatians 6:1, 3.

The word restore is used for setting a broken arm or leg, for mending nets, or for cutting something out. And so as fellow believers we are to help set them right by helping them cut the sin out, helping to mend them and lead them back to spiritual health and vitality.

Therefore, as we would want to be restored, we are then to help restore others, which is what Jesus Himself administered when He was amongst us.

Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17)

The ministry of restoration is of extreme importance, because it’s the ministry given to us by the Lord, because the spiritual life of a brother or sister is at stake.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)