Overtaken In A Fault

"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. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2)

“Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to faultfinding.” - Corrie Ten Boom

Discernment is the ability to perceive, recognize, and distinguish God’s word and way in contrast with that of the worlds. This God given ability of discernment is intended for us to use with others when we see them burdened and weighted with unrighteousness.

Not everyone can or should intercede with others. The Apostle Paul clarifies and defines that discernment and intercession belong to, “ye which are spiritual”. There are a couple of things to keep in mind as to who the “spiritual” is. Paul isn’t talking about those who claim to be “spiritual” and “one with the universe”.

When Paul speaks of “spiritual” he is referring to those who are in the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Christ is in them. Anything that is truly of this spirit is true, righteous, and eternal. The temporal is temporary and of this earth and will surely perish.

Paul and Corrie Ten Boom are both telling the Christian of their responsibility and obligation to discern righteousness from unrighteousness and to help “restore”, or bring the righteous back to righteousness after a fall. Corrie addresses the carnal side of the Christian by saying do not use this ability to find fault in the fallen (See Matthew 7:1-5). Paul warns that we need to be careful not to fall for the same sins our Christian brother or sister did.

There is a difference between discernment and judgment. Discernment is as we defined it earlier, a recognizing and detecting righteousness from unrighteousness. Judgement does this as well but adds the element of administering condemnation and punishment. The latter is strictly in God’s domain.

Discernment is a Christian responsibility. It is up to us to recognize “if a man be overtaken in a fault”. 

We are to make aware of the sin of a brother in love and, “never to faultfinding”. The Christian in a right relationship with Christ should respond positively to this. After-all, this is an act of love. The reason why anyone would want to restore another is to save them from death and destruction. You don’t want them hurt or to dead.  

Bill Hitchcock