August
27, 2003
FULFILLING
THE LAW OF CHRIST
"Brothers,
if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens,
and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1, 2,
NKJV).
What
is the "Law of Christ"? Possibly Paul was speaking
of what Jesus said to His disciples,
"I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I
have loved you, so you are to love one another. If there is
this love among you, then all will know that you are my disciples"
(John 13:34, 35, NEB. See also the meditation for March 21,
2002).
In Galatians,
Paul is giving counsel as to how to restore someone who has
made mistakes in the Spirit of love and restoration as exemplified
by Jesus in His interactions with less than perfect people.
"If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted." Do not put one to
shame by exposing his fault to others, nor bring dishonor
upon Christ by making public the sin or error of one who bears
His name. Did Jesus ever expose the sins of others? Only when
He censored those who terribly exposed a young woman who had
sinned, and then only in the dust on the ground silently in
the view of only those who were guilty.
Often
the truth must be plainly spoken to the erring so that he
or she may be led to see the error and reform or make it right.
But we are not to judge or to condemn. Again the example of
Jesus is our guide, "Neither do
I condemn you" (John 8:11). "In treating
the wounds of the soul, there is need of the most delicate
touch, the finest sensibility. Only the love that flows from
the Suffering One of Calvary can avail here. With pitying
tenderness, let brother deal with brother, knowing that if
you succeed, you will 'Save a soul from death,' and 'hide
a multitude of sins' (James 5:20)" (Desire of Ages, p.
440).
Jesus
also gave counsel on how to deal with an erring brother. He
said, "If your brother sins against
you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone [privately].
If he hears you, you have gained your brother"
(Matthew 18:15). He went on to share counsel on how to proceed
if the erring brother does not mend his way. However, when
seeking to restore someone to healthy and appropriate behaviors,
always speak to them respectfully, regardless of their response.
Jesus never allowed the bad behavior of others to affect His
behavior. He was always respectful and appropriate. This is
often difficult for us. However, in relationship with Jesus,
He will help us and teach us how to love and treat one another
as He has loved and treated us.
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