We all know people around us who live in the shadow of sin on a daily basis. They are so deep in their transgression that they can see out. What are we to do? Well, if you look at the first part of Galatians chapter 6, you'll find some clues.
First, don't be silently judgmental or look the other way. We are to take action and restore that person. We are asked to do it only one way, with gentleness.
Gentleness is actually one of the fruit of the spirit that we learn about later in Galatians. Be gentle with your words and actions, not harsh or condescending. It's amazing how every human responds to gentleness. They are more likely to put down their guard and listen. Remember back to when you were a child, you likely had a relative who treated you with gentleness. Remember how you would respond to that person and respect that person much more than a relative that was always yelling and harshly telling you what to do?
There is also a warning next in the passage. It tells us to be on our guard and not to get sucked into their transgressions. A person captured in ongoing sin loves company. Loves to validate their sinful behavior by having others participate with them. So we must be careful and in prayer when we approach and interact with them.
Pray about who you know who needs you, a spiritual person, to gently restore them away from their sinfulness. Then pray for wisdom and the opportunity to engage with them.
Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
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