As the chosen of the Lord, we are called to respond differently from the world. When those around us fail, we are not to judge or condemn them but to humbly and selflessly restore them to the faith. This is the path of love and forgiveness, the path of grace.
In Jesus’ restoration of Peter, we see a beautiful example of this approach. Jesus did not condone or ignore Peter’s denial, but He met him where he was and gently brought him back. Jesus didn’t give Peter a lecture or scold him; He simply asked him, “Do you love me?” and then commissioned him to feed His sheep.
We too must follow this example, for we are all sinners saved by grace. We cannot become the judges of another; instead, we must provide support to assist them on their journey back to God. When we faithfully follow this model of restoration, the body of believers becomes stronger and more unified.
God, the ultimate farmer, will always reward our sewing of love and good deeds with abundant blessings that we cannot even imagine. But if we choose to judge and abandon those around us, we will reap the consequences of selfishness and pride.
Let us seek to love and restore others so that He can love and restore us. When we are focused on the mission and on the lives of others, He is free to focus on us. May we be selfless and focused on His mission, and may God bless us abundantly as we seek to restore those who have fallen away.
God Bless You
Brethren, even if [a]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. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, [b]while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Walking With God 