In the life of a church, there will be many sad instances of sin in the members of the body. Given that Christians still struggle with desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:17) as those desires wage war against the Spirit (Rom. 7:23), it is obvious that Christians will both sin and be sinned against at various times. In some ways, it is easier to describe the biblical response to our own sin than the biblical response to being sinned against.
Thankfully, God has not left us without instruction in this matter. Paul instructed the Galatians in parallel circumstances, and we should heed his commands. He said:
“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. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)
Whenever someone is caught in sin—Paul even says in any sin—the Spirit-minded Galatians were to restore such a person, and to do so with gentleness. This is a very difficult calling for the church to fulfill because it requires the individual members of the body to love the offender. Each Christian has to lay aside whatever personal vengeance he might want to enact and instead restore the offender to fellowship (cf. also 2 Cor. 2:6-8).
It is challenging for us to lay aside grievances in order to restore someone who has trespassed. Even more challenging, however, is restoring that trespasser with gentleness. This truly is a high calling, since it calls for an attitude that is beyond what human nature is capable of. Yes, even pagans may appear to forgive and restore those who trespass, but only the Holy Spirit can bring about true forgiveness with an attitude of gentleness (cf. Gal. 5:19-23). Doing so is contrary to our normal, fleshly desires.
Paul does not end his instructions there, however. He adds another command that seems incredibly difficult when we have been sinned against. Instead of rubbing the other person’s nose in their sin (what is called ‘being historical’), Paul commanded the Galatians to look to themselves! He reminded the Galatians that they are not above temptation, and that if they are not careful, they may stumble as well. How humbling!
Yet Paul goes on! His final command might seem the hardest for us to fulfill. He said in verse 2, “Bear one another’s burdens.” This statement shows that Christians, when they have caught a brother in sin, must not attack that person—but serve them. Does not that seem like a reversal of what is fair?
How can God call us to restore a trespasser, and not only to restore that person, but to do so with gentleness? On top of that, how can God justly call us to then go and serve that person, bearing their burden?
He can call us to do that because that is what He did for us in Christ. When Paul issued this command, it was squarely in line with the gospel that he proclaimed. God’s instructions to us are parallel to what He had already done—consider 1 Peter 2:24: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” We will never atone for anyone’s sin, of course, but we do have a restorative role to play in the context of the church when someone sins. God’s command to us is that we serve those who seem utterly unworthy of our service. In gently restoring trespassers and bearing their burdens, we will give a testimony to the gospel itself.
When we are sinned against, we must respond with grace. Penitent trespassers are to be handled gently, with great grace, as if they were a worthy lord and as if we were their servants! This command can be difficult to stomach, at least until we remember the gospel. The gospel is the foundation for this command, and if we remember that, I believe we will have the strength to fulfill the law of Christ. May God give us the ability to do so!
--Dean of Admissions
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