FRIDAY FIVE: HELP A BROTHER OUT

Have you ever made a mistake so public that it felt like the whole world was watching? That crushing weight of shame, the sting of knowing everyone is aware of what you've done can be overwhelming. In moments like these, the last thing you need is judgment or an "I told you so." You already feel regret and remorse. What you truly need is restoration.

Galatians 6:1

[1] Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. [2]Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Every man needs another man"—this is our mantra at Men’s Power Connect. We believe God never intended for us to walk this journey alone. I love that this verse includes the word ‘any’ before transgression—because at some point, sin will catch us all. When that happens to a brother, how will you respond? Will you judge and condemn him? Will you distance yourself to protect your image? Or will you step up, stand beside him, and help him find his way back?

In this context, "transgression" isn’t about a man defiantly rebelling against God or choosing a life of sin. It’s about a man who has stumbled—who’s slipped up, not out of defiance, but in a moment of weakness. He doesn’t need judgment at that moment. He needs a brother to step in with love and strength, reminding him who he is in God and helping him get back on his feet.

In this passage of scripture, the Greek word for ‘restoration’ carries the image of a doctor carefully resetting a broken bone. A skilled doctor is mindful of the most tender areas, working gently to restore the bone to its proper place. In the same way, a mature believer helps his fallen brother heal, wisely guiding him to recognize his missteps and build a plan to stand firm against future temptation

Restoring a brother isn’t always easy. Pride and self-righteousness can creep in, making us feel superior instead of compassionate. In today’s culture, it’s tempting to compare ourselves to others, using their failures to prop up our sense of righteousness. But we must remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am…”

Paul understood that the only thing separating him from his past as a murderer and enemy of the faith was God’s grace. And the same is true for us. The difference between being the one who restores and the one who needs restoration isn’t our strength, it’s God’s mercy. When we embrace this truth, we become the kind of men who can lift our brothers instead of looking down on them.

Effective restoration must be done with compassion, care, and kindness. This is the heart of Christ. We must not take the faults of others as an opportunity to show how great we think we are. God calls us to bear the burdens of one another and when we do so, we fulfill the mission that He has called us.

Stay strong, encourage a brother, and walk in grace and power.

Scripture references for this week’s Blog

Galatians 5:16–17

[16] But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (ESV)

1 Thessalonians 5:14

[14] And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (ESV)

Romans 15:1

[1] We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (ESV)