*RESTORING WITH GENTLENESS* LET US READ Galatians 6:1-5 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritually minded should restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For anyone who thinks he is something when he is nothing deceives himself. Therefore, each one should test his own work, and then he will boast about himself and not about another. For each person will carry his own load.” LET US MEDITATE The word restore comes from the Greek *katartízo*, which is used in secular Greek to put a dislocated bone back in its proper place. In the New Testament, it was used to mend a fishing net, and in the Christian sense, restoration is to bring a person to repentance and unity with Christ. When we speak of restoration, we must have a spirit of gentleness, a spirit of gratitude, and a spirit of prayer, especially when we catch someone caught in sin and want to help them rather than condemn them. Thus, we follow Christ's example. Let us remember that *gentleness* is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and gentleness is gentleness and kindness in one's condition or manner, and is free from arrogance or presumption. When we judge or point our index finger at someone for their mistakes, let us not forget that three of the other fingers are pointing back at us. It is easy to see the speck in our brother's eye and not see the beam that blinds our own. We are not the ones to pass judgment on others, for God is the just Judge and the One who truly knows the heart. Let us ask God to be spiritual and merciful, to help those who have fallen due to some difficulty beyond their control, or those who are dominated by some vice, or oppressed by sin and enslaved in the clutches of the enemy, and with the power of God, to free and restore them. The spiritual must be governed by the Holy Spirit, and their conduct must be gentle and loving. We must not confront our fellow believers in our flesh with an attitude of vainglory, irritation, and pride, for we must remember how fragile human nature is, and we can fall at any moment, if perhaps we haven't already. The most merciful people are those who have gone through the same experience. Legalism only brings more burdens on others, which is why Jesus judged the Pharisees for not being merciful and for placing heavy burdens on others that they themselves could not carry. Our loving prayer is the most powerful weapon to help our fellow human beings with their conflicts and temptations. Why not help one another in love? Let us remember that love covers a multitude of faults and makes us see others as ourselves, needy and in need of God's forgiveness. We must support our brothers and sisters by helping them carry their burdens and not letting go of our own. This will keep us humble and remind us that when we are in difficulty, we must be willing to seek help and allow our brothers and sisters to help us. Among Christians, there must be a fellowship and brotherhood that stimulates us to love and good works and compels us to share the Word and be an example and light to others. LET US PRAY. Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am not perfect. Forgive me if I have not treated others as You would. Teach me mercy and love to help others with their burdens, just as you lifted me from my sin and death, and you still give me the strength to not fall, and you patiently lift me up even when I fall, because only you are perfect, Lord. Fraternally, Germain Castellanos *COMMUNITY H242* www.communityH242.org _Your faith wherever you are!_ 👁️‍🗨️