“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” —Proverbs 27:6 NIV
So what should we do if someone falls into sin?
“Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual condemn them and then make sure you tell as many people as you can what they have done” (Galatians 6:1).
Of course, that’s not what the verse says, but by the way some people act you would think it is.
Galatians 6:1 really says that if someone is overtaken in a fault, “you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (NKJV).
The objective is to restore, not destroy!
As that verse says, “Considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” First, we should consider ourselves! Why? Because it could be you someday that needs restoration, for we all have the potential to fall and fall big.
The most loving thing you can do for a fellow Christian is to tell them the truth, not pacify them out of fear of rejection. Proverbs 27:6 tells us “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (NIV).
A true friend will stab you “in the front,” not in the back.
Has a Christian friend ever helped to “restore you in the spirit of meekness”? Have you ever helped to restore another?
