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. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2
I think when I first read those words, “If someone is caught in a sin,” I immediately thought of someone being caught in the act, with witnesses and undeniable proof and everything.
However, in my second read-through, the mental picture that came to me was someone caught in a trap. (To be honest, I pictured Elmer Fudd’s leg caught in a bear trap.) So many sins are exactly that, a trap. Try as we might, they have such a strong hold on our hearts and minds that we struggle and ultimately fail to escape on our own. I guess that’s why Paul gives these instructions for helping restore a person caught in sin. “Carry one another's burdens,” he instructs us, “and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Sin can so easily divide us, especially if those in the right simply point and accuse those who are in the wrong. However, when gently approached, sin can also be something that God can use to draw believers together, as one who is strong can walk alongside and help the one who is weak and trapped in his sin. Once they are freed and whole, they in turn can help others, and the love of Christ becomes alive to more and more people.
Do you know someone caught in sin? How can you help?
Are you caught in sin? Who can you turn to for help?