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157) Gal 6:1a . . Brethren, even if someone is caught in the very act of any
trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;
The Greek word for "trespass" is interesting. It can refer to willful conduct
unbecoming and/or unintentional conduct.
For example the same Greek word at Rom 5:18 describes Adam's decision in
the forbidden fruit incident, which we know for sure wasn't due to either
ignorance or sophistry. (1Tim 2:14)
Seeing as how the willful variety is dealt with harshly and summarily per
1Cor 5:1-13, whereas in this situation gently, then I'd say Gal 6:1 is
referring to unintentional misconduct; which doesn't merit a public flogging;
but rather a quiet talk; and the more private the better in order to avoid
embarrassing the unintentional offender.
* Restoration does not apply to visitors; only to members on a church's
roles; i.e. the congregation. The visitors' business is none of our business so
don't go sticking your nose in it.
The Greek word for "restore" basically means to repair or adjust, viz:
restoration applies to maladjusted Christians, i.e. the ones whose
misconduct is habitual, and quite possibly detrimental to a church's overall
health.
A spirit of gentleness precludes the use of bullying, intimidation, rage.
yelling, demeaning comments, lecturing, scolding, biting sarcasm, ugly
remarks, carping criticism, brow beating, and such. Those kinds of behaviors
aren't gentle, no, they're cruel and abusive. They're also unwarranted when
the accused has committed an unintentional trespass.
NOTE: The instructions given in Gal 6:1 pertain only to spiritual Christians.
The garden variety, rank and file pew warmers-- viz: marginal Christians -
need not concern themselves with it.
In churches where people are conceited, assertive, confrontational,
embroiled in petty rivalries, debating, quarrelling, and maybe even jostling
for notoriety; the spiritual ones are obviously going to be as scarce as
California Condors
"each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted". (Gal 6:1b)
The Greek word for "tempted" is somewhat ambiguous. It primarily means
to test; but can also mean endeavor, scrutinize, entice, and/or discipline.
I think what the restorers are being cautioned against is going about a right
thing in a wrong way so that they themselves wind up taken to task for
conduct unbecoming. In some people's minds, the end justifies the means so
long as it benefits the so-called greater good. But that's Machiavellian
thinking rather than Christian thinking.
In other words: the restorers need to tread lightly because if they go after
an alleged offender like a lynch mob; then they themselves should expect to
be seen by others as a toxic menace and a threat to congregational peace,
trust, and cohesion.
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