Paul writes the biblical prescription for forgiving a fallen brother.
"Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual - restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).
Lets look at Pauls use of the phrase "caught in any trespass." The idea expressed in the original language is one of a surprise or fault. In other words, when Christians sin, we do not go out deliberately seeking to transgress.
In a moment of weakness or indifference, we may yield to evil. Once the believer has slipped into transgression, the body of Christ has a God-given responsibility to restore the offender. It is a command, not a suggestion. It does not say we are to forgive someone who sins after we have examined the situation to discover guilt or innocence or if the person has suffered long enough the sin. It says we are to be involved in the restoration process, regardless of the nature of the sin.
The Greek word translated "restore" has medical overtones. The word picture is one of a physician who resets the bones of a broken limb. It portrays the setting straight of what was once crooked.
Six principles listed below will allow us to be scripturally equipped to assist in the restoration of a brother who has been overtaken by sin.
We must encourage the person
1. To Recognize the SIN or Failure and the consequences of the decision The problem is not one of a slight miscue or a momentary lapse; it is sin in the sight of the Lord. No one can deal with sin unless it is first identified as such. More often than not, the individual knows he has sinned, but he still lives sin because he has not admitted that his behavior was sinful. Like David, the person must be able to confess, "I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight" (Psalm 51:4).
2. To take Responsibility for the sin It is easy to blame sin on somebody else. But even if someone else has been a contributing factor, the individual is still accountable. Helping a brother assume personal culpability for sinful actions is sometimes a difficult but necessary step.
3. To Confess and Repent of the sin By repentance, I mean a change of mind that will result in a true sense of regret and remorse over the sin as well as a deliberate change of behavior. The inner person will realize the grief of disobedience before God and conduct will be positively affected.
4. To Seek Restitution Someone who steals something needs to pay it back. Someone who criticizes others in public needs to go to them and ask for forgiveness. Restitution cannot be made for some sins, however. Genuine repentance and confession will have to suffice in those instances. For example, there is no restitution for destroying a persons moral purity. Asking for forgiveness can restore Christlike fellowship, but it can never fully restore what was lost.
5. To Receive Gods message through his failure Although God does not cause us to fail, He can teach us lessons that will keep us from wandering into similar harmful situations.
6. To Respond to Gods discipline with gratitude This is not easy, but when the person comprehends Gods purpose in such discipline-that he might "share His holiness" (Hebrews 12: 1O)
he can by an act of his will thank the heavenly Father for His loving correction. Bringing the person to this point protects against the insidious root of bitterness that can spring up in the aftermath of sin.
Our success in attempting to restore a fallen brother or sister will be determined to a great degree by the spirit in which we go about it.
1. Approach one in gentleness. This involves understanding and acceptance - not agreement!
2. Forgive and Restore with a spirit of Humility! Hurting people do not need our harshness and arrogance - they need to see that we are not above them.
3. Love with JESUS as the model! To bear means to get under their burden with them.
This means to suffer as they suffer! To hurt as they hurt!
Restoration
1. Be assured that the individual is absolutely broken over the situation.
Until brokenness has taken place, healing can't take place.
2. Complete honesty over what has taken place is essential.
Nothing should be hidden that could later come out and hurt the healing process.
3. Establish accountability for the individual with someone he can trust, share and get face to face with on a
regular basis
4. Constantly give encouragement to the individual because temptations and attacks from the evil one will come.
5. The Individual must ask for forgiveness from those he or she has offended.
6. Continually remind the person that the past is forgiven, the future will be better than before.
7. Discipleship is central to the growth of all of us and particularly important to the fallen one because he or she has more than likely been out of fellowship with the Lord for some time.
Ps 19:7-14; Ps 23:3; James 5:13-16; Jeremiah 30: 17-20; Luke 17: 3-4; Gal 6: 1-2; James 5: 19-20
Temptation:
1. Avoid areas, people or places that could lead to a fall 2Tim 2:22
2. Ps 119:11 Treasure or memorize God's Word, God's promise is that it will help us from sinning against Him. Col 3: 16
3. Set a plan and follow it Pro 3: 5,6
4. Understand what pitfalls most tempt you and share those with a close brother that will help in the times of temptation Eccl. 4: 9-12
5. Garbage in, garbage out What we put into our lives will eventually come out. We have to be careful what we watch, listen to and do. It all effects our senses and can be used against us in the battle. Eph 5:15-17; Col 5: 17
