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Help for the Erring One, June 20
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
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Here is a special direction to deal tenderly with those overtaken in a
fault. “Overtaken” must have its full significance.... To be led into sin
unawares—not intending to sin, but to sin through want of watchfulness
and prayer, not discerning the temptation of Satan and so falling into his
snare—is very different from the one who plans and deliberately enters
into temptation and plans out a course of sin....
More effective measures are needed to check the premeditated sin, but
the apostle directs the treatment to be given to those who are overtaken
or surprised or overcome by temptation.... Restore him in meekness,
“considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Faith and reproofs will
be needed, and kindly counsel and supplications to God, to bring them to
see their danger and sin. The original word is, set in joint, as a dislocated
bone; therefore the efforts should be made to set them in joint, and bring
them to themselves by convincing them of their sin and error.... There
should be no triumphing in a brother’s fall. But in meekness, in the fear
of God, in love for their soul’s sake, seek to save them from sin.
When men have to swim against the stream, there is a weight of waves
driving them back. Let a hand then be held out, as was the Elder Brother’s
hand to a sinking Peter.... Let the one who is supposed to have moved
wrongly be given no occasion by his brother to become discouraged, but
let him feel the strong clasp of a sympathizing hand; let him hear the
whisper, “Let us pray.” The Holy Spirit will give a rich experience to both.
It is prayer that unites hearts. It is prayer to the Great Physician to heal the
soul that will bring the blessing of God. Prayer unites us with one another
and with God. Prayer brings Jesus to our side, and gives new strength
and fresh grace to the fainting, perplexed soul to overcome the world, the
flesh, and the devil. Prayer turns aside the attacks of Satan.
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