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. ~Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
A first responder is someone who is in place and ready to respond in an emergency situation. They might not be the most highly trained, but they are available to step in until the most highly trained arrive. In Galatians 6:1 the word restore comes from the original word katartizete, which means to set in joint, as with a dislocated bone. Someone with a dislocated bone needs a first responder until they can get to a hospital. We are called to help those who are spiritually “out of joint” as well. We have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters in Christ to persuade and convince them to live a godly and holy life and to walk in love. We are to remind them of 2 Peter 1:3 which tells us that God’s divine power has given us everything we need to live a godly life through our knowledge of Him and James 4:7 which admonishes us to submit ourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee. When was the last time you acted as a spiritual first responder on a scene? When was the last time you encouraged someone to live as God expects them to and to act righteously no matter how unjust the situation? Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:19 “Let them see the full extent of Your power that is at work in those of us who believe, and may it be done according to Your might and power…” (VOICE) Spiritual first responders are always counting on God to show up and show up big. They have no problem telling God it’s all Him and none of them. Spiritual first responders know they are in Christ, and He is in them and there is nothing impossible for them who believe.
The true test of whether you are called to be the spiritual first responder in a given situation is to consider what spirit you are operating by “lest you be tempted”. We are to deal with those caught up in sin with all meekness, calmness, and gentleness, and always from love. Our sincere concern is the only way we will make any impression. If we are restoring out of anger or selfish ambition, it’s hindering us from showing the love they need to see to make a lasting change. People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care. We must examine our motives and deal tenderly with others. If we are unable to approach a situation this way our best resort is to listen and pray. We are told in James 1:19-20 “take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (NIV) Sometimes we are just too close to a situation to respond adequately. In that case, we are to pray. We respond to restore, not to judge.
When words are many, sin is not lacking; so he who controls his speech is wise. ~Proverbs 10:19 (CJB)
When was the last time you were a spiritual “first responder”? What was the “incident”?
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