WEDNESDAY: GENTLE RESTORATION
KEY PASSAGE
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
DEVOTIONAL
Let’s focus on the term “restore” in Galatians 6. Restoration is the process of returning something to its original condition.
Restoration takes work, time, and investment. When Jesus found and restored you, He did not leave you in your mess. He picked you up, dusted you off, and brought people alongside you to help teach you how to walk with Him.
Now here is the obligation for us: what God has given freely to us, He requires for us to give to others. There are broken people all around you who require the very restoration God provided for you.
Here’s the truth: you were put in their path and into their life to be the light. You can be the one to help restore them. Do not hold others to harsh expectations and frustration, but with grace, gentleness, love, and patience. Be agents of restoration.
Here’s how that may look:
Communicate Directly - In private, have a genuine conversation to address the sin committed.
Correct Gently - Rather than condemning the person, point them back to the truth with love.
Encourage Repentance - Joy is the product of repentance. Encourage them to turn from their sin and back to God.
Pursue Restoration - Restoration is a process that requires partnership. Continue to walk with them in honest friendship.
CHALLENGE
Who is one person this week that you can walk alongside and show the grace and mercy of Jesus to? The same mercy that Jesus showed to you, you must now show to others.