“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 ESV).
Paul reminded the Galatians that the church should be more like a hospital than a courtroom. He described the one “caught in any transgression” as someone overtaken by sin—not a hardened rebel, but a believer who slipped or became trapped and needed help before falling further. The call was not to condemn or cast them aside, but to restore them. The word he used for “restore” carried the sense of setting things right, whether a person’s spiritual condition before God or their fellowship within the church. This ministry of restoration was to be marked by gentleness and humility, not harshness, since even those who try to help can easily fall into temptation themselves.
When a brother or sister stumbles into sin, our instinct may be to judge or distance ourselves. But the Word calls us to restore with gentleness, remembering how Christ has restored us. This restoration is twofold: helping the fallen find forgiveness and renewal in their walk with God, and welcoming them back into fellowship with His people. Just as a hospital treats patients with compassion, so the church is to be a place where sinners find grace, healing, and support. To do this well, we must stay humble, always aware of our own weakness, and lean on the Spirit to guide our response. If we live this out, our churches will not be marked by gossip and shame, but by grace and healing.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for making Your church a place of healing for sinners like us. We praise You for restoring us to Yourself through Christ, and we ask You to help us restore others with gentleness. Keep us from pride, remind us of our own weakness, and make our fellowship a place where those who stumble find forgiveness, renewal, and belonging. May Your grace flow through us as we care for one another. In Jesus’ name, amen.