Restoring Gently

1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load."
~Galatians 6: 1-5

As humans, we see to have such a propensity for excitement and drama. My wife will no longer watch anything but reality shows on television in a quest to view only "real" interpersonal interactions. Many of us regularly seek out group excitement whether it be through sporting events, parties, or charismatic experiences. It seems we almost have a built-in desire to be extreme in some way.

Gentleness, explained by some as "...great strength under control," is such an admirable trait in people. Following the intense excitement and unrestrained exclamations of an important sporting event, we are sobered when watching the losing coach react with a gentle hug and encouragement in lieu of an animated temper tantrum. What is it about humans that makes us so ready to respond so quickly with righteous indignation? In a world so confusing, we long to understand a situation or someone's actions well enough to conjure authoritative commentary on the situation. Much too often, this commentary is only an excuse to be remembered for our insight or knowledge...

What must happen for our reactions to become responses? How must we live so our responses are reflections of God's gentle, but firm and just nature? Who do we have the right to gently restore? There are so many wonderful lessons in this short passage. Do we know without a doubt which of our friends and acquaintances are fellow believers and which are not? The simple quest of knowing and being known well enough for this foundation to guide my interactions is a great start for me. I haven't spent enough time trying to find out the spiritual health of my peers to be of any use in spiritual counseling or gentle restoration.

Lord that I would form relationships based on reference to You and Your presence in the lives of those around me.