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.
Parallel translations
- WEB Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.
- KJV 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.
- BSB Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
- NKJV Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
- NASB Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
When someone is caught in sin, the spiritual should gently restore them, watching themselves lest they too be tempted. Restoration, not condemnation, marks Spirit-led community.
Overview
Paul shows what Spirit-led love looks like when a believer falls into sin: the goal is gentle restoration, like setting a broken bone, not harsh judgment. The warning to 'look to yourself' guards against pride, reminding the restorer of his own vulnerability. This reflects Christ's gracious, humble dealing with sinners and models true pastoral care.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 37
- Rom 15:1Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- 2 Tim 2:25in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
- 2 Th 3:15Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
- Jas 5:19–20Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back,
- Jude 1:22–23On some have compassion, making a distinction,
- 1 Jn 5:16If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death. I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this.
- 2 Cor 2:7so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow.
- Ezek 34:16I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.
- 1 Cor 10:12Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.
- Rom 14:1Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
- Heb 12:13and make straight paths for your feet, so that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
- 1 Pet 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:
- Matt 18:12–15“What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?
- 1 Cor 4:21What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
- Jas 3:2For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn’t stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.
- Isa 35:3–4Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
- Matt 9:13But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
- Job 4:3–4Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.
- 2 Cor 10:1Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
- Gal 2:11–13But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned.
- 1 Cor 14:37If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.
- Luke 15:22–32“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
- 1 Cor 7:5Don’t deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn’t tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
- Rom 8:6For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
- 1 Cor 2:15But he who is spiritual discerns all things, and he himself is judged by no one.
- Jas 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
- Matt 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
- Luke 15:4–7“Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it?
- Heb 13:3Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body.
- Gal 5:23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- 2 Sam 11:2At evening, David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to look at.
- Num 20:10–13Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Shall we bring water out of this rock for you?”
- Gen 9:20–24Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard.
- 1 Cor 3:1Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ.
- Gen 12:11–13When he had come near to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at.
- Matt 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly.
- Matt 26:69Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”
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Original language
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