Bearing each other

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. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)

Jesus commissioned believers to continue His work on earth--sharing the good news about God the Father's saving grace

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Mathew 28:19)

Following this command isn't easy when we come across people whose lifestyle is distasteful to us. It often feels more convenient to befriend someone who shares our values. Yet a lost man or woman may be led to restoration through a Christian friend or acquaintance.

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. (Mathew 9:10)

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. (Luke 19:5)

esus got involved with men and women whom society avoided. He ate dinner with tax collectors (Matt. 9:10; Luke 19:5) and gently spoke His message of hope to an adulterous woman (John 4:7-27). And to anyone--disciple or Pharisee--shocked by His associations, the Lord explained that He "did not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17).

In Proverbs 29:6, sin is compared to a trap that ensnares its victim. With despair and confusion as constant companions, the captive doesn't know the way to freedom. But believers do. And we are to share the message as Jesus did: "You who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness" (Gal. 6:1). The Greek word for "restore" refers to the setting of bones--a very painful process. So we are to tenderly point men and women in the direction of God's forgiveness, His mercy toward wrongdoers, and the Holy Spirit's help in overcoming temptation.

If Jesus were on earth today, He'd be ministering to the needy, the addicted, and the downtrodden. To be like Him, let's encourage others to confront their sin so they can be freed from its grasp.