Out Of Step

Galatians 6:1-2 (KJV) Says "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

In the above scripture Paul is advising that it is our responsibility to help fellow Christians who we see straying from their walk with Christ. If we are aware that a fellow believer is being overtaken by sin and straying from their Christian walk, we are to go to them in the spirit of meekness, meaning with a gentle approach, and assist in guiding them back to the Lord. It is our responsibility to encourage them with love, kindness and understanding with the hope they opt to repent and be restored. If we approach them with harsh criticism and judgment, that will serve only to push them further away.  Paul also advises that as we approach them we are to consider ourselves, meaning we are only human, and we must be mindful that we are not tempted and  overtaken  by sin while attempting to encourage our brother or sister in Christ.

If you see someone falling away from the Lord, pray for them and approach them as soon as you notice. The earlier you approach them the better, because the further they stray from their walk with God, the more difficult it will be to get them to return. The earlier you approach them, the more willing they will probably be to listen to you, and the more open their heart will be to receive your encouragement. You may want to invite them to lunch, or to dinner, call them on the phone, or offer some other gesture that reminds them you are there for them, and that you care. We must be careful not to be overzealous in attempting to encourage them, however, because we certainly don't want to become annoying and increase any resistance they may have to hearing us.

Being only human it is in our nature to sin and we are all guilty of doing so. Romans 3:23 (KJV) Says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." When we see a fellow Christian getting further and further out of step with the Lord, however,  we need to pray for them and  let them know we notice, we care, we are there for them, and that we love them, and we need to do it as soon as possible. Sin is like a wound in that, if treated early it can be healed with relative ease, but if left untreated becomes an infection that runs rampant continuing to spread, and destroying everything in it's wake. We must support, uplift, strengthen, and encourage one another with brotherly love; as we are all one in Christ Jesus.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.