“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 NASB1995)

If anyone is caught in any trespass (sin), it could mean that they are caught in the act of sin by someone else who witnessed their sinful act, or that they have been overtaken by or are in slavery (addiction) to any particular sin, or it can mean that they are surprised that they were tempted into acting upon a particular sin, not realizing their own vulnerability in that particular area of the flesh. But whichever one it is, it is clear that this Christian engaged in some kind of sin against God, but to what degree we do not know.

But when we understand what it means to “restore” such a one, I believe it gives more clarity to us with regard to what it means to “be caught” in sin. For this word “restore” is the same as a medical term for setting dislocated limbs (legs, arms). And that is a painful elongated process where a doctor maneuvers the dislocated joint back into place, followed by having to use crutches or a brace to stabilize the joint, often followed up with physical therapy to stabilize and strengthen the joint to prevent future dislocations.

When we think of restoring the fallen Christian back to a right relationship with God, in these terms, this doesn’t sound like just one sin took place, or that it was something unexpected, although a dislocated joint can be something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly. But it is the restoring aspect of this that suggests this is something more deep seated in a person’s life, and so it will take some time to help that person back to spiritual health and restoration, to help them back to a healthy relationship with God.

Now someone who is still “struggling with” (regularly still giving in to) a sinful habit should not be the one to attempt to help another Christian out of their sinful addiction. And I believe men should help men, and women should help women, with few exceptions. But the main criteria for us to help another out of their sin is that we be those who are living holy lives, pleasing to God, in walks of obedience to our Lord and to his commands, in the power of God; that this not be a weak area for us, and that we follow God’s word.

And following God’s word is critical. For there are far too many recovery programs out there to help people overcome their addictions which are not biblically based, and which make the people dependent for life on that program, and which teach them they will always be addicts. Many of them do not allow the teachings of the Scriptures in their programs and rely much on modern day psychology, instead. And some of these programs actually just serve as a place to vent and to commiserate, but not to heal.

And then we need to be teaching them the gospel of our salvation from the Scriptures. For although our salvation from sin, which comes from God, does not demand absolute sinless perfection, or we are cut off from God, it does demand that we turn from our sins to follow our Lord in walks of obedience to his commands, as a matter of life practice. And it warns us that if we make sin our practice, and not obedience to our Lord’s commands, and if we do not turn from our sins, we will not inherit eternal life with God.

[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10,19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; 2 Corinthians 5:10,15,21; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-13; Hebrews 10:19-39; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22]

So, in bearing one another’s burdens, it is critical that we teach them the truth of the gospel and that we do not coddle them in their sins and make a path for them to continue living in deliberate and habitual sin. For it is not compassion which pampers addicts in their sin, but it is selfishness, wanting them to like us. Yes, be loving, be kind, and be compassionate. But that includes speaking the truth of the gospel to them in love. And that sometimes means “tough love.” For they need to hear the truth which saves.

For Our Nation

An Original Work / September 11, 2012
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love
Recording Via Gerry Peters, music producer and arranger

Bombs are bursting. Night is falling.
Jesus Christ is gently calling
You to follow Him in all ways.
Trust Him with your life today.
Make Him your Lord and your Savior.
Turn from your sin. Follow Jesus.
He will forgive you of your sin;
Cleanse your heart, made new within.

Men betraying: Our trust fraying.
On our knees to God we’re praying,
Seeking God to give us answers
That are only found in Him.
God is sovereign over all things.
Nothing from His mind escaping.
He has all things under His command,
And will work all for good.

Jesus Christ is gently calling
You to follow Him in all ways.

Men deceiving: We’re believing
In our Lord, and interceding
For our nation and its people
To obey their God today.
He is our hope for our future.
For our wounds He offers suture.
He is all we need for this life.
Trust Him with your life today.

Bear One Another’s Burdens
An Original Work / January 22, 2026
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love