May 2010

Galatians 6:1 – 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.

It is no light matter to be called of God to restore people in the faith. Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9). It is a humbling sight to witness the return and growth of those that had been overtaken by a fault. However, there are a few things they must consider:

1. They must be spiritual. Paul states makes a distinction for those that are to assist those overtaken in a fault – the spiritual (spirit-filled, spirit-led). The person desiring to assist them cannot be in flesh-filled and flesh-led. If the person trying to restore someone operates in the flesh, the person in the fault will only be further trapped and bound to their sin (and possibly other spirits as well).

2. Those overtaken in sin must be restored in a spirit of meekness. One of the definitions of meekness is the ability to be patient and long suffering. Some folks will not want to ‘do right’ because you said a few words, and busting down the doors of sin in someone’s life is not always a 1,2,3 process. Those that are not meek, patient, or willing to ‘suffer long’ with others will abort the process of restoration before it comes to fruition. In today’s society, many people want to say a few words and if it doesn’t work, they’ll leave them alone because they don’t want to waste their time. But not so for those that are spiritual. Just as the Lord is patient (and gracious and merciful) with us, we should exercise just as much patience toward those we desire to see restored.

3. Consider thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Know your own spiritual/physical/mental/emotional temperament. Stay on your guard to protect you from allowing temptation into your life. There are several things you should consider:

• If you’re not considering your own life, you become tempted to sexual relationship with that individual. The person may seek affirmation (from you) through physical touch.
• You may become angry with something the person says and speak harshly to them. Your words or actions would cut more than heal. This may be especially evident if the person is speaking about a subject that is emotional for you. If you are unable to properly contain your emotions, you want to consider whether you are the proper person they should speak with.
• You must also watch out for pride to rise up in you as you see the manifestation of restoration in the lives of others, something you may desire for your own life.  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep (Romans 12:15).
• You must protect yourself any spirits you encounter while counseling. You may counsel someone and find the same circumstances manifesting in your life and home within days of the counseling. After counseling sessions, be sure to pray (to bind the spirits), anoint yourself (and home), pray in the Spirit, and remain watchful for anything that could remotely sprout.

As one who restores others, you are in a position of trust to hold the fragile pieces of someone’s life. Consider your temperament at all times so you will not see their weakness as an advantage for you.

Restoration is not on a timetable. Just because one person doesn’t repent in the amount of time you think it should take, it doesn’t mean they’re lost forever. This is why it’s important to be spiritual and meek. You must be willing to go the distance and not become angry or impatient because ‘change’ does not occur by your timetable.

Don’t play around with this!!! You must be on your guard. Remain watchful and consider yourself!

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