Together in Christ: 'Help Not Hurt' — Galatians 6:1

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
— Galatians 6:1 NLT

Key Thought

One of Jesus' powerful images of loving leadership was that of a shepherd searching for a lost sheep. [1] Jesus wants us to know He is our God-sent Shepherd who came to earth to find us and bring us home to God with great joy!

Jesus gave up everything to reclaim us when we had gone astray. [2] Now, the Lord wants us to find our brothers and sisters who have lost their way and bring them home. [3] Instead of gossiping and feeling superior to a brother or sister caught in sin and drifting from a JesuShaped lifestyle, we are to "gently and humbly" help them back onto the "right path." As we approach them, we must also be on guard against falling into sin. Jesus warned that we must address our sins if we want to help our straying friends properly address their sins. [4]

Reclaiming a wayward follower of Jesus can feel challenging, but the result, when successful, brings great joy in heaven and among Jesus' followers on earth. And, as James, the half-brother of Jesus, says:

My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring the forgiveness of many sins. [5]
[1] Luke 15:1-7; John 10:1-18.
[2] 1 Peter 2:25; Philippians 2:5-11.
[3] Matthew 18:10-14.
[4] Matthew 7:3-5.
[5] James 5:19-20.

Today's Prayer

Father, open my eyes and awaken my heart to notice when a brother or sister is struggling or has gone astray. Please give me the kindness and wisdom to reach out to them. Please grant me the demeanor and the best words to help them come home to you. Use me, dear Father, to those who wandered away home to You and experience the joy of Your grace being rediscovered in their lives! I ask for this ability, grace, and wisdom by the authority of Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 18:10-14; Luke 15:1-7
  • John 10:1-18

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Illustration

Illustration of Galatians 6:1 NLT — Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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