Resources/Articles
If You Cannot Be Restored
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Galatians 6.1
Taking the step to confront someone about a transgression is difficult. The soul needing our help may not be aware of what they are doing, like the people who crucified Jesus (Luke 23.34). Confronting someone about their sin is actually restoration in process.
It takes gentleness to address a sinful matter. It takes courage to sit down and speak from your heart and from scripture about the sinfulness of sin to this person. The person may be defensive, give excuses, or really not care. However, the objective of restoration is the blessing here. Leading a person back to God is something the person in sin may not think they need, but restoration is their only hope.
If the unfaithful Christian you are helping to restore cannot be restored, there is no hope for any of us. Restoration is a matter of admission of sin, godly sorrow, and repentance (2 Corinthians 7.9-10). Faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ is what makes restoration possible. He is the One who melts a heart of fantasy, denial, and selfishness and places within us dependence upon God, newness, and hope.
Those in sin need not only to have their sin pointed out to them. The need a revelation of what restoration means. Let them understand what being wounded versus being healed looks like. Help them visualize what better things God can do with their life, if they would just humble themselves to His will.
I received a text message from a Christian who was unfaithful to God and to his wife. He had a three-month affair with another woman. He wrote of his confession of sin and repentance before an assembly of Christians. He said, “It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know the road will be long, but we can get through this with God’s help.” This man responded to the invitation Jesus gave to be restored in Matthew 11.28-30: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Thank God for restoration!
