Restoration is, ultimately, a work of Jesus and His Holy Spirit. The shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to pursue the one missing sheep (Lk. 15:3ff) isn’t you or me, but Jesus. At best, we are simply the crooks used by the shepherd to reel back in the wayward lamb.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:1-2

(Thanks to the Purdue students, whose recent discussion helped me formulate some of these thoughts.)

“How can I help a friend who seems to be falling away from the faith?”

“How should I minister to Christian friends living in sin without any repentance?”

“How do I do this without pushing them away from me or God any further?”

Any Christian who loves Jesus and people will ask these good questions sooner or later. The Savior we love has called us to love each other and shown us what that love looks like. He’s also given us plenty of warning that there are always going to be unconverted people in the church (Mt. 13:24-30) and that Christians can “fall into grievous sin; and, for a time, continue therein…” (WCF 17.3) So most people who are connected well to their church family will be called at some point to the ministry of restoration.

The Bible has lots of help, both in examples and direct teaching, for this important ministry. I think we can summarize the ministry of reconciliation in three points, three legs of a stool which collapses when any one leg is taken away.

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