In Galatians 6:1, Paul writes about restoring the sinner.
1 Brethren, 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.
Galatians 6:1 nkjv
1 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out.
Galatians 6:1 msg
The word “restore” in Galatians 6:1 is translated from the Greek word katartizō (G2675). According to Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary, this Greek word means:
From G2596 and a derivative of G739; to complete thoroughly, that is, repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: - fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect (-ly join together), prepare, restore.
Vincent’s Word Studies says the following about the word “restore” in Galatians 6:1.
Restore (καταρτίζετε)
See on Mat. 4:21; see on Mat. 21:16; see on Luk. 6:40; see on 1 Pet. 5:10. The word is used of reconciling factions, as Hdt. v. 28; of setting bones; of mending nets, Mark 1:19; of equipping or preparing, Rom. 9:22, Heb. 10:5; Heb. 11:3; of manning a fleet, or supplying an army with provisions. Usually by Paul metaphorically as here. The idea of amendment is prominent: set him to rights: bring him into line. Comp. 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Cor. 1:10.
The Greek word katartizō (G2675) also appears in 1 Corinthians 1:10 as “perfectly joined together” and is used in relation to the church coming into agreement, as one mind, so that there are no divisions amongst the people.
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10 nkjv
The Greek word katartizō (G2675) also appears in Hebrews 13:21, together with another Greek word which means “you”, to form “make you perfect”. Therefore, this Greek word also means “make perfect”. In the New King James Version this appears as “make you complete”.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 nkjv
Geneva Bible Translation Notes says the following about Galatians 6:1. (I have underlined certain parts of this text for emphasis.)
Brethren, (1) if a man be (a) overtaken in a fault, ye which are (b) spiritual, (c) restore such an one in the (d) spirit of meekness; (2) considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
(1) He condemns persistent and pressing harshness, because brotherly reprehensions ought to be moderated and tempered by the spirit of meekness.
(a) Through the malice of the flesh and the devil.
(b) Who are upheld by the power of God's Spirit.
(c) Labour to fill up that which is lacking in him.
(d) This is a metaphor which the Hebrews use, showing by this that all good gifts come from God.
(2) He touches the problem, for they are commonly the most severe judges who forget their own weaknesses.
According to the Bible, we have already been given every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3). We have already been given the divine nature, the very nature of God Himself (2 Peter 1:4). Therefore, the only thing that is lacking in a believer who sins – is revelation knowledge.
We must bear in mind that Galatians 6:1 is written directly after Paul’s contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit in chapter 5. This contrast between the flesh nature and the divine nature serves to inform the believer that the very nature of God is already in him. Therefore, if we labour to fill that which is lacking in a believer who sins – we tell him all about the nature of God that is in him; rather than to give him rules to obey – as if he is able to obey God in his own effort.
It comes down to giving a believer the message of grace. If a believer is focusing on his sins, and therefore feeling condemned, more than on God’s grace – he will be stuck in sin. When we realise just how much God loves us, even when we fail, our flesh nature will be subdued and His nature will manifest itself in us.
So when it comes to correcting people, I believe it is important to ensure that we are doing so out of love, which can be harsh at times, but just, compassionate, true and God-guided. We must never correct people out of our own pride, jealousy or anger.
Most of the time, we will correct believers by correcting their distorted views of the message of grace, helping to dispel their own pride (self-reliance). Following the law will always lead to pride, anger, and competitiveness. If we see other people as God sees them through Christ - we will not be provoked to anger or pride; other people's foibles and bad habits will no longer bother us. I believe the foundation of love is unconditional acceptance of "what is"; accepting people just as they are.
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