“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” (Gal. 6:1).
If there is one place more than another where we betray our unspirituality, it is in our inability to restore the overtaken. I solemnly believe the Lord has a controversy with us, not only for what we allow in others, but for what we allow in ourselves in our manner of handling issues in the assemblies and for the spirit and temper of our action towards those failing.
We might ponder with profit Psalm 103:8-14. Do not yield an atom of truth. “Stand fast” and “hold fast,” but stand where His searching light shines on you even as on your brother and hold the truth, “as the truth is in Jesus” who was “meek and lowly in heart.” He was the great Peacemaker, and it cost Him most dearly. To us He says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” It may cost us something to make peace, but in it we are blessed.
How much we have missed just here. But “the peace of Christ” must preside in our hearts (Col. 3:15 JND) if it is to spread to others. “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Are you a peacemaker, or are you sowing discord? With Christ before our hearts, we shall feel that there is the same mercy for others that there is for ourselves. It should be written before our souls in letters bold and bright, “God . . . is rich in mercy.”
Had mercy not been shown us in lingering patience, as sinners or as saints, what would be our state? It should never degenerate so as to tolerate evil in ourselves or in others. For those who have been dealt with in faithful discipline, may we cultivate the spirit of “Since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still” (Jer. 31:20).
F. C. Blount