“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (KJV)
Reflection
Correction inside a Christian household is not a rebuke shouted across a room. It is a very quiet thing, done in a very small voice, at a very low volume, by someone who has just remembered — vividly, and with fear — that they could just as easily have been the one in the fault. Paul does not tell the spiritual brother to be right. He tells him to be meek. The restoration is the goal, not the correction. If our word to the erring brother does not sound like the word Christ would use to us on our worst evening, we have not yet spoken as this household is asked to speak. Dear one, before we speak to the sister who has stumbled, we sit down. We consider our own last fall. And then we speak — softly, with love, with hope of restoration, never of humiliation.
Prayer line
Lord, when we must correct, make us meek. Restore, do not shame. Amen.
May the Lord bless you, dear one of this household, and keep you.