Restoration

In my class last week my professor shared with us how important it is to remain humble as leaders in the church. He referenced Galatians 6:1 which says, "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."

As I read the verse a few times, I noticed an important connection with being humble. Paul explains that we must look at ourselves in light of the restoration of others who have trespassed. The word restore caught my eye and I decided to do a little more exploration with this passage.

Restore in the original Greek language is katartizo. It means to render, to fit, to make sound, or to complete. It is also used to describe fishermen mending their nets. In the context of Galatians 6:1, Paul is explaining that we are to mend or to make sound those who have fallen. This must be done in a spirit of gentleness and humility.

I sometimes wonder why there seems to be so much condemnation within the church from those who claim to be "spiritual." Personally, I was raised in a fear based Christian context where punishment ruled over grace. Yet, clearly Paul states that those who fall should be put back together and restored in grace and humility by those who are able to look at themselves and understand that they are no better than the person who is currently struggling.

I feel that all believers should heed Paul's words here. Restoration is vital to building up the body of Christ and we all need to be able to gently help people who stumble because we all will stumble at some point.