I wonder if sometimes as Christians we often know what to do, but fail to know how to do it. It is one thing to know what we must do, but another thing altogether to know how to accomplish that particular task. In many congregations, restoration of just a few delinquent members would result in empty pews being filled, not to mention the rejoicing that would take place in heaven (Luke 15:7) and the souls saved from eternal death (James 5:19-20)! Paul reminded the churches in Galatia that restoration was essential; he wrote, “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). While the mandate is clear, the method is left to one’s discretion. A method that has been proven to work involves three different actions.
Firstly, restoration involves supplication. Prayer is such an important element in the art of restoring the erring. How often do you pray by name for the erring? I often imagine just how many souls would be restored if we individually and collectively spent time on our knees on behalf of the wayward. Sadly, very few assemblies are devoted to prayer for the fallen. Jesus knew that Peter was going to fall from grace, and so Luke records the words of our Lord, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” (Luke 22:32a). In His High Priestly prayer, Jesus further prayed for all of the disciples, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). We will never be successful in restoring the fallen until we learn to diligently pray for them.
Secondly, restoration involves visitation. Restoration is unlikely if we do not take the time and the effort to visit the wayward. There are few things more powerful than sitting at the dining room table of a fallen soldier of Christ and pleading with him or her to return. Visitation is a biblical method for others in need (James 1:27), so why would it not be necessary for those who have the greatest need (as wayward souls)? The personal touch of an individual visit is often just the thing that is needed to restore the wayward. I remember on one particular occasion visiting a man who had fallen spiritually several years before I had gotten to that location to preach. I received his name and address from another member, and when I asked him why he had not been back to worship, he said, “no one ever came by to visit me and so I assumed I was not missed.” How tragic! While I know for sure he was in fact missed, no one ever communicated that to him. While I understand there was and is personal responsibility on his part, I still believe Paul’s words as well, “…restore such a one…” Remember, we are dealing with eternal souls bound for hell as long as they remain wayward!
Thirdly, restoration involves communication. At some point in our visitation, we must come to the problem at hand. This is often the most “sticky” thing to do. It is difficult to talk to others about their sins. Surely, this is why Paul stressed, “…in the spirit of meekness…” Meekness is an attitude of humility and gentleness. Our approach will often determine our accomplishment! Even Jesus stressed, “…go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone…” (Matthew 18:15b). Sadly, we are often better at telling everyone else about others’ sins instead of telling it to the sinner himself.
Restoration is so needed in the church today! It takes spiritual brethren possessing the right attitude whose hearts ache over the wayward to accomplish this great task. Brethren, let’s get on our knees and talk to our Father about the wayward. Let’s get on our feet and go visit the erring. Then, let’s open our mouths and plead with them gently to return to the Bishop of their souls!
