Correction

Galatians 6:1
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. (NLT)

It is so easy to see the problems other have and want to correct them. Matter of fact often the only problem they have is our perception. They do not have a problem at all. We are simply looking at them as though they were us. God made each of us differently and satan has brought each of us through a different set of temptations. What is wrong for us may not be the wrong thing for them.

Does helping them back onto the right path always mean telling them they are wrong? I don't think so. Others will learn more by our actions than our words. However, words are necessary in many cases.

Is drinking wine a sin? Some would say absolutely, it is. The Bible tells us not to drink. But does it? No, it tells us that drunkenness is a sin. However, some cannot even have a sip of wine without going all the way to being drunk. I believe this is the result of a spirit of addiction they are dealing with.

So if we have had a problem with drinking, smoking, drugs, or even overeating we are apt to come down hard on others who are doing the same. We tell them like it is based on how it was for us.

What is sin is sin, but what we do may not lead us into sin while others doing the same would fall right into the trap of satan. If we know someone is dealing with an addiction like overeating we should not tempt them by suggesting we go out for lunch at a buffet or even by finishing our meal with a big dessert. That would be tempting them to stumble.

Two key words in this scripture are gently and humbly. How often are we guilty of trying to help yet much more forceful in our delivery then we should be? Yet, if we are to do everything in Love as Jesus commanded, how can we not point out they are doing something sinful? And yet we must be careful that our actions are sending the same message as our advice to them.