After listing some of the worst sins imaginable, Paul told the Corinthians, ‘And that is what some of you were. But you were…justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God’ (v.11 NIV). Before we judge and condemn someone else, let's remember what God has lifted us out of, and how much restoration has taken place in our own lives. In Scripture, the word restore has two shades of meaning. One is to remove a tumour. A tumour can kill, and it needs to be removed. Paul wrote, ‘If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently…in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:1-2 NIVUK). Sharing someone’s shame and humiliation can be a burden, but ‘we should do it…[giving] special attention to those who are in the family of believers’ (Galatians 6:10 NCV). We've all been quick to condemn others at times, but if we find being judgmental is turning into a habit, we should ask ourselves this question: if people don’t find grace among those who preach it, where will they find it? We need to show God’s grace in action by extending that same grace to others. The other meaning of restore is to reset a broken bone. Scripture tells us, ‘Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other’ (Romans 12:5 GWT). Our spiritual family is important because it will last forever. By lifting a broken and stumbling family member, we help heal their pain and enable them to become a vital, functioning part of Christ’s body again. So today, be a restorer.

What Now?

Do you know someone who needs restoration in some way? Today, spend some time praying with them, and ask God to uplift them and bring them a sense of His peace and love.