Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
In a world that often responds to failure with condemnation or shame, Paul reminds us of a different way, the way of the Spirit. Galatians 6:1 is a call to community, accountability, and compassion. It challenges us not to turn away from the one who has stumbled, but to step toward them with humility and care.
Notice Paul’s words: “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” He doesn’t say to ignore the sin. He doesn’t say to shame the person. He calls us to restore, bringing back to wholeness, to health, to fellowship, with gentleness. That kind of restoration takes love, patience, and spiritual maturity.
But Paul also issues a caution: “consider yourself, lest you also be tempted.” Why? Because when we engage with the brokenness of others, we must remain aware of our own vulnerability. It’s easy to become prideful, or even fall into the very sin we’re trying to help someone else overcome. Restoration must be done in the Spirit, not the flesh.
So what does this mean for us today?
It means when a friend, a fellow believer, or even a stranger falls, we don’t stand back in judgment. We lean in, led by the Holy Spirit, to lift them up. We speak truth, but with grace. We correct, but with love. We don’t forget that we, too, are in constant need of God’s mercy.
Pray
Lord, give me a heart that mirrors Yours, full of mercy and compassion. Teach me how to restore others with gentleness, remembering that I am not above temptation. Keep me humble, Spirit-led, and always anchored in grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
