Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:1-5
“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
That spiritual conundrum is precisely why Galatians 6:1 is such an important scripture in the disciple’s life. The text doesn’t allow us the latitude to ignore the trespass—nor does it give consent for us to pass condemnation. Instead, the text tasks the spiritual (the moral or righteous) to seek restoration of the transgressor “in a spirit of gentleness.”
The purpose of spiritual correction is restoration—returning a person to their previous, noble, moral state. Correction is about effecting positive change in a person, not validating ourselves for being right. Self-validation and self-righteousness hang a dark, foreboding cloud over others while shining a brilliant spotlight on our own righteousness.
Just as restoration is the objective of correction, gentleness is the means by which restoration is achieved. Gentleness requires tact, patience, grace and humility. It embodies kindness and thoughtfulness that shapes the approach so it prompts one to embrace and institute the correction. That requires we extend correction in the manner others can receive it, not in the manner we can give it.
The end state of correction is to influence attitudes and behaviors. Often we find that it is our own attitude and behavior that need to be corrected. Only then can we be a conduit to correction for others. Correction given without love, mercy, grace and compassion are bound to fail and only alienate the very person(s) in need of restoration. Correction is never about being right but about working towards being more righteous in our living.
Question to Ponder: How would I feel if God corrected me the same way I correct others?
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”—Matthew 18:15
