Verse: Galatians 6:1
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.

Devotion:
I love this verse. It just zaps me right in my judgmental bone. It’s a beautiful little manual for how to handle noticing sin in someone else’s life. I mean, it’s bound to happen, right? Unless everyone you know is perfect. This verse assumes that it’s kind of a part of life.

First check: “you who live by the spirit” This addresses us with an assumption that we are living by the spirit.  We should be keeping in step with the spirit. Am I? I want to align myself with what the Holy Spirit is doing, not be opposed to it. That’s motivation for starting the day right! To give over my agenda and ask the Lord to help me to be aligned with his.

Second check: “restore that person gently”. How gentle am I when I need to address an issue with someone? As a parent, as a teacher, as a friend? Or do I avoid it completely? Skirt any possible conflict? I am convicted that when I see something that needs to be addressed I either do it with irritation or anger or I ignore it. We are being instructed here to do something, but to do it gently. Because the end result is supposed to be restoration. Not two people who now feel awkward around each other, or hurt feelings, or shame. This is why we must be in step with the Spirit. I don’t have the ability to do this all on my own steam. I want to avoid conflict at all costs. But that is not what we are told to do. I don’t even know how to really make this happen. But the Holy Spirit does. And if I ask for opportunity and I ask for words, he is faithful.

Third check: “Watch yourselves”. How easily the tables can turn, and probably will. How much more grateful are you for a second chance, when that second chance is given with gentleness? And humility? With the full acknowledgment that none of us are perfect? I know I have a lot to learn when it comes to being self aware, and I need to do better. So we can check ourselves, and ask the Holy Spirit to show us where we fall short. Again, he is faithful, and will meet us where we are, and will help us to do the same for others; meet them where they are, and help to restore them.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for the way you’ve designed everything! That we all can be a part of your restoration work in our daily lives. We can be intertwined with You and with one another in a healthy and life giving way, and help one another to see you more clearly and keep in step with your Spirit. Please help us to be gentle with one another. Help us to build healthy community. Amen.

Author: Emily Costa