“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” (Gal. 6:1).
Over the years, I have heard one statement too many times. Just last week I was at a meeting and someone said, “When the church goes to battle, it is the only army that shoots its wounded.” This should never be.
God’s plan for the church is rest, recovery and restoration. But all too often we apply this mindset only to those who are currently walking in the things of God. While it is true that Christians should be at rest, recovery and restoration is not solely the benefit of those who are walking in faith.
Many Christians are living outside of God’s best. They live their lives daily with stress and pressures and many have hurting hearts. When the pressures come upon these “young in faith” Christians, they do not necessarily react properly.
Yes, it is true that a mature Christian who encounters trials in life increases in faith and patience and actually becomes stronger because of the trial. James chapter one, verse two tells us that we should “count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” However, the immature Christian does not necessarily react this way.
I wish that all Christians were mature and knew how to withstand the storms of life. However, this does not mean that the church body should ridicule, condemn or exclude immature Christians who react poorly.
It is time for the mature church to stand up and act mature. We have a responsibility to teach, train and show by example the love of God for each other. Jesus said that the way the world would know that we are Christians is by the love that we have for each other.
So the conclusion is this. Love the mature Christians and love and train the immature. Rise above the works of the flesh and walk in love.
Be an example not only to the world, but also to the young in the church. Let the reputation be that we comfort and restore our wounded instead of shooting them.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.