Our Attitude Toward Those Who Fall
We are all fallen creatures, living in a fallen world, and surrounded by other fallen people. The entrance of sin into the human race is rightly called “The Fall” because sin never lifts a man – it always causes a downward spiral away from God. Our entire world groans under the effects of the fall (Romans 8:22-23), and our only hope is Christ.
Saved people still have a sin nature, and sometimes even God’s people experience a great fall. This does not mean that they return to their original state of eternal separation from God, for their soul is held in the hand of God (John 10:28-29). It also does not mean they have to stay down! “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…” (Proverbs 24:16). They are down, but not out!
Our Approach
If we don’t want them to stay down, someone must reach out to them. This principle is seen in both the Old and New Testaments:
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
“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. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
This is the test of true spirituality. Satan, the accuser, kicks a man while he is down, but Christ, the Restorer, seeks to lift him up. So should we. There is hope in Christ, and they must find help in the church. There are plenty of critics and cynics. What is your attitude toward those who fall?
Our Attitude
- Remember your own fallen nature.
- Rehearse where you would be or could be, but for the grace of God.
- Reach out to someone who has fallen and seek to point them to the Lord for repentance and restoration.
“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed” (Hebrews 12:12-13).
(Watch for Part 2 of this article soon – 5 Things to Do When Others Fall.)
