Maintaining Good Fruit Trees
Fruit Rot – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:15-17

Key Verse: Galatians 6:1

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Christ followers are to be fruit farmers, caring and paying attention to the fruits of the Spirit. A fruit farmer must continually take care of the fruit if it’s to remain healthy fruit. So it is in the church, believers must continually take care because the enemy can get in and bring rot to the fruit.

The Apostle Paul addresses this problem in Galatians 6:1. What should we do when we see a fellow believer caught up in a sinful behavior? As a pastor I have seen several reactions to this over the years. One reaction to a fellow believer who has sinned is rejection. This is not a Christ like way to deal with others who have fallen into sin—yet it happens. The people in the church seem to simply stop talking or caring about someone who once was well received in the fellowship.

Another reaction I’ve seen over the years, when a Christian brother or sister has sinned, is to ignore the problem. In this reaction the sin is not confronted and the other believers seem to condone the sinful behavior. This reaction is no better than the first reaction of rejection of the brother.

Our scripture for today shows us the proper way to handle a believer who has been caught up in a sinful behavior: restore them gently! This biblical model calls for mercy and forgiveness. Restoration is the goal. (Continued)

Father, give me a heart of mercy for those who are hurting and fallen. Thank you for your mercy to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.