Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:1-10

Restoring Sinners, Examining Yourself (verse 1) – Continued

However, you will notice that the exact methods of restoration are not described by Paul. They will vary according to the individual circumstances. But Paul does specify the manner of restoration: restore him in a spirit of gentleness. “Gentleness” is one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Gentleness is not weakness; it is great strength under control. When gentle Christians see someone caught in a sin, they do not react with violent emotions or with arrogance. Even when sinful actions are scandalous and harmful, the emotions of the gentle person are under control, and the will of the gentle person is devoted to loving the sinner all the way to total recovery. Only the Holy Spirit can empower a person to respond in such a “spirit of gentleness.”

Gentleness is not only consideration of the needs of others but also humility in recognition of one’s own needs before God. So Paul moves from his command for restoration in the plural form, addressed to all, to a command for self-examination in the singular form, addressed to each individual. Corporate responsibility must be undergirded by the personal integrity of each individual before God. Keep watch on yourself, Paul commands. Close observation of the inner life is necessary because everyone is vulnerable to temptation: lest you too be tempted.

Awareness of my own vulnerability to moral failure not only puts me on guard against temptation but also enables me to respond with a spirit of gentleness to someone trapped in sin. The specific temptation in view here seems to be the temptation to react with arrogance and anger to the sin of the offender. Both Galatians 5:26 and 6:3-4 speak directly to this temptation. It is understandable that the Galatians’ desire to live under the law (Galatians 4:21) had produced moral watchdogs who were pouncing on sinners to, “bite and devour one another” (Galatians 5:15). Their sins of conceit (Galatians 5:26) and their “fits of anger” (Galatians 5:20) were just as serious as the sin of the offender whom they were so harshly condemning.

In contrast, those who are led by the Spirit are aware that they themselves are “only sinners saved by grace through faith.” All their responses to other sinners are, and should be guided by the personal insight of their own weakness and their total dependence on the redemptive love of God.

To Be Continued

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