It should be noted that we always must have balance, and in all things we must have charity which when translated means love and not necessarily alms. As Galatians says, when we find someone in a fallen state we should gently restore them until they are upright, standing firm, and steadfast. If so, we have gained a brother with a kindred spirit if his fault was an offense against us.
Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Matthew 18:15 (KJV) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Sin is a sickness resulting in spiritual and physical death. As Romans 6:23 (KJV) says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As with all illnesses, one requires time for healing. It might occur in a fraction of a second or might take longer, much longer. So, when we become so incredibly religious and law-abiding, that we forget scriptures that says that we should restore a brother gently, that we should forgive a brother for the same offense seven times in a day, and that a righteous man falls down seven times and rises up again, we have become the law-breaker. For, all scripture is valuable for reproof and correction. If it can correct others who profess that they follow it, then it should be useful in correcting us.
Let us lift those who are fallen and desire healing. Many are waiting besides the pools of Bethesda and begging for alms at the temple as in ACTS 3. Silver and gold we have not, but what we have which we can give is a Spirit of Love, Joy, Peace, Endurance, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. It is all the Strength that one needs.
May Your Blessing Be Rich and Plentiful.
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