Gentle Restoration
Over the last few days, I’ve been struck by Paul’s words to the Galatians. “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:1-5).
When I learn of others failures, I’m usually quick to become self-righteous and voice my disgust. I’m one of the first to the soapbox. When other leaders face moral failures and sins, I usually puff up my pride and thank God that I’m not like them. I find myself thinking I’m “something” when I’m really “nothing.”
You see, I’m messed up and broken just like everyone else. While my sins may not sound as harsh as others, they are still sins. I believe most of us would be disqualified if it weren’t for God’s amazing grace. That’s why I appreciate Paul’s words here.
We are called to the act of gentle restoration when we learn of others sins. Does that mean we should simply overlook these sins? No! It means we should approach our fellow brother/sister with love, grace, peace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I also appreciate Paul’s words because he calls out our pride and self-deceit. We should look at ourselves openly and honestly. And, I believe church leaders have an even greater call to be open, honest, and at times vulnerable. I believe the Bible has some clear mandates for the integrity and lifestyle of leaders within the church. When a leader fails, gentle restoration is the call. Yet, can a person continue in ministry without openly and honestly dealing with the sin? And, what if a church fails to fully practice gentle restoration and not deal with the sins of its leaders in Biblical ways?
Later today, I’m going to be having a conversation that may test my ability to practice the act of gentle restoration. I fear that in the conversation I may become bitter, angry, disappointed, and deeply troubled. I am concerned about what kind of action I will need to take when confronted by the information I will hear.
How do we begin the act of gentle restoration with the unwilling? How do we begin the act of gentle restoration with ourselves? How do we get to the point where our acts of restoring are motivated by love, grace, and mercy and not so much by anger?