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“"Restoration and Reaffirmation"”

Thoughts for Today:

Paul wrote to the Galatian believers (Galatians 6:1a): "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently." Paul is basically saying, "If you are spiritual, when someone falls to sin, don't rejoice -- restore and reaffirm."

This reminds me of situation that occurred between Noah and his sons (Genesis 9:21-23): "When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked."

Noah's sons demonstrated love. Love doesn't talk about sin; love doesn't call attention to sin; and love doesn't call a meeting of the congregation to discuss sin. Love walks in backwards and covers sin. (1 Peter 4:8: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.")

At this point, I think it's important to summarize the three steps Paul has given us in the process of restoration of broken relationships. First, the act of forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:7a). Second, there is consolation (2 Corinthians 2:7b). And the third (our passage today), there is an intentional act on our part to demonstrate love and forgiveness. Just remember, it wasn't until after the man had repented that these instructions were given. We are always to forgive -- whether or not others have repented (or even want our forgiveness) -- but, we cannot restore to complete relationship and fellowship until there is repentance.

Questions to Ponder:

As we work to do our part, in order to reaffirm and restore a fallen brother or sister, we need to use the wisdom that only comes from above. So I pray, "Father, help us to make an accurate analysis and choose the proper course of action in each situation we encounter, so people will be healed, strengthened, and set free -- for the glory of the Son and furtherance of the Kingdom. Amen".

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.