This subject has been heavy on my heart for a few years now. I cannot help but come back to it. How many of us hurl stones when we find out someone has fallen into a sin trap? You don’t have to think back too far to remember public figures within the last few months who committed sexual sin. The media sensationalized it (surprisingly on both the conservative and liberal sides). The same happens in Christian circles. It is a great tool of the devil to convince people that church and faith are not worth our time and energy.
We do not hear much about restoration within churches. I have talked with pastors from conservative denominations other than the one with which I was formerly affiliated. I know of two that have a restoration process for pastors or their families when they go through divorce or have fallen into sin. I was rather surprised as many churches “restoration process” is to kick them out, ostracize them, and hope they repent. The success rate on that “process” is great if you want to embitter people and turn them against God.
So from where does this idea of restoration come? The Bible. Great place, right? Matthew 18 outlines a discipline process. This is not for the purpose of expulsion but restoration. If you follow the 3 steps and the person continues his or her wicked ways, he or she does not want to be restored. According to Galatians 6:1, restoration is a commandment. Note what this verse says: “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.” In other words, any of us could fall into this sin trap so we should handle them gently and help get them back to a greater place spiritually than they were.
Have you ever wondered why many leave the church? The lack of restoration is one of those reasons. It’s dirty work, but so was salvation. Jesus picked up dirty sinners out of the miry clay (Psalm 40) and washed their sins away when they cried out to Him for salvation. Therefore, we have no reason at all to think we are above sin or above giving a hand up to someone who took a wrong turn in life. What would Jesus do? He would restore, and He still does!
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
This is very true. Restoration is given and not awarded. The church forgets at time that we are called to serve others, and allow God to be God. There is no reward in helping those you chose to help, and refusing to help those that are in need. The same as loving those who love you back but not loving those who dislike you. We all come from a different path yet want the same goal; which is to be with our Savior one day. We all can serve differently and have a great impact as a whole. Restoration needs to be given freely even if we disagree. People should feel that God could restore their life and be surrounded by people who believe in the power that the Lord could change the bad into good.
I could not have said this any better.
Yep. Amen.
And He always will, praise His name !!
I’m guilty of this more times than I care to admit. Thank you for this post. Indeed, let’s start sharing stories of restoration, and being a vessel of it, instead of throwing stones. Amen, brother!
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
I really, really love this bro! I can see we’re on the same wavelength. God bless :))
It’s great to find likeminded people in this area. God Bless you also!
Amen! We’re all “ragamuffins” in need of God’s incredible grace!
I agree Matthew. Thanks for the post. Sometimes we as Christians love to point the figure at other people who are sinners but never point see the same person in the mirror.
The Pharisees did the same thing with the woman who caught in adultery. Jesus however forgave the woman and we should do the same.