What is your immediate reaction when you see or hear of someone caught in some type of infraction? Do you immediately want to condemn them? Does your heart break for those who were the targets of the offense? Do you feel a desire to reconcile the offender?
When we see or hear of someone committing an offense against another, our typical reaction is one of shock followed quickly by anger. Our culture demands immediate justice and retribution. Our efforts are focused on helping the victim of the offense.
Unfortunately, that leaves the offender untended to, other than being prosecuted. Rare is it that reconciliation is sought and offered. Rare do we think about the separation and loneliness of the offender. Rare is it the offender is approached in a compassionate, humble way to offer both correction and a loving embrace.
This is not only true in our national culture but in our churches as well. We fail to demonstrate the love of Christ by correcting the individual in a humble manner and offering His love to them. This is not to say we should ignore the victim. Not in the least. However, we are instructed to ensure we bring the offender back into the fold. Yes, there may be a price for them to pay. But that does not negate our responsibility to reach out to them.
Not only are we to reach out to them but the Apostle Paul tells us to share in their burdens. We are to share them by seeking to understand why and help them to correct their behavior. We are to do this with humility because we could be the next person who needs loving correction and to share our burden with others. Satan tempts us all. Any one of us could fall prey to his temptations. We should not condemn lest we be condemned.
I pray we all choose to approach a transgressor with humility and love. I pray we choose to help share their burden. I pray each one of us realize we can, too, can fall prey to Satan’s temptations. Be humble. Correct the transgressor with love. Share one another’s burdens.
Galatians 6:1-2 My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Marty Pressey 