In more than twenty years of traveling to preach the gospel, including several treks to remote areas in the Himalayas, I have only fallen on the trail one time.  That was in the middle hills of east Nepal.

Several of us were walking to a village on a narrow path. I stumbled briefly, but had a hiking staff and was using it to recover when the Nepali following me reached out to grab my shoulder.

Unfortunately he missed, striking me on the back and causing me to fall. His intentions were good, but what he intended as help proved my undoing. Thankfully I fell onto dirt (not rocks) and was not harmed.

We all, being human, make occasional missteps. These may be of a physical nature like my fall, or of a spiritual nature. Though occasionally we may be able to steady ourselves without the help of others, frequently our stumbles are severe and outside assistance is necessary.

Not all help is of the same quality. In case of a sudden stroke or heart attack any assistance is appreciated, but if an experienced doctor is available that is far better. The assistance of trained professionals may be the difference between life and death.

So it is spiritually. When one stumbles and is in danger of losing his eternal salvation, encouragement and support from any Christian may be effective. But it is far better for all Christians to be properly prepared to give the best possible assistance to those in need.

How do we prepare to lift up the falling? The New Testament provides several qualities that are needed by those who would help others in spiritual distress. Paul stressed the need for spirituality and gentleness in restoring those who have sinned.

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any
trespass you who are spiritual restore such
a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted”
(Galatians 6:1).

When we observe a brother or sister’s needs,let us reflect upon our own spiritual maturity and ensure that we are properly equipped to guide them. Let us also approach them with gentleness (some translations read
“meekness”) so as to encourage proper behavior, not to punish with harsh words.

Jude encouraged faithful brethren to rescue those in danger with compassion (Jude 22) and from fear (Jude 23). The mature Christian who sees another in sin must empathize with him showing compassion and understanding. He must also realize his own vulnerabilities, and have full respect for the peril being faced.

James emphasized the urgency of the task of restoring one who has gone back into sin.

“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from
the truth, and someone turns him back, let
him know that he who turns a sinner from the
error of his way will save a soul from death
and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-
20).

The Nepali brother whose attempt to save me actually resulted in my falling acted impulsively. In his rush to help he did not exercise sufficient care. A slightly slower response may have been more successful.

In the same way our efforts to restore sinning Christians will benefit from a brief consideration of the exact circumstances, and the best method of approach. They also will always be improved by thoughtful prayer. We should not delay our response to these needs, but proceed with proper preparation.

Michael E. Brooks @ www.forthright.net