Insensitivity to Fallen Believers
Galatians 6:1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Rather than helping fellow Christians who have fallen, too often we only criticize them. We say, "How could they do such a thing?" While the text indicates that we should offer restoration, it does not minimize the severity of a transgression. Regardless of the sin committed, God still loves His people.
There are other processes to deal with a transgression, possibly including the criminal justice system, but our focus should remain helping believers get "back on the right path." The Christian community sometimes becomes too focused on handing out judgment and justice, rather than giving a hand.
We must also be aware that our insensitivity to believers who have stumbled or fallen may also weaken our own resolve to resist sin. Arrogance against the faults and sins of others, and permanently isolating them, works against the "Law of Christ" which is the law of unconditional love.
If we were a M.A.S.H. field hospital, believers who entered would rarely leave alive, much less healed.
We can do much better.
0 comments :