Skinned Knees

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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1&2

One of my favorite illustrations of this verse is the following story:

The children in the Special Olympics had been training and preparing for months. The big event was finally here. Those in the sprinting competition were anxious and excited and ready. All the training, and all the practicing was culminating in this one race. The gun goes off, and the race begins.

In the first moments of the race, one of the boys falls. His knees hit the track, hard! A shock goes through-out his body causing a slight cry to slip past his lips. Then, the split-second after falling, he looks up and sees the other eight boys ahead! Running for the finish line. And he isn’t.

All that work! All that training! All that excitement! Over! Gone with a fall!

Not to be in the race he had trained so hard for was too much for him. A bellow of anguish pours forth from his lips. The pain in his knees was not the cause of his cry, but the agony of seeing all he had worked for to just slip away was more than he could bear.

His bellow filled the track area. The spectators in the stands hear him...and look. The players on the field hear him... and look. The other eight runners hear him ...and look… and stopped. Then the group as a whole turned and walked back to the fallen boy. One of the other runners stoops to kiss the injured knee, saying, "I think that'll make it better." The runners helped the fallen boy rise to his feet, and then, as a group, they walk towards the finish line.(Author unknown)

How much better is that approach to one of our fallen? No accusing comments. Doesn’t he already know he has fallen? No judgments. Doesn’t she already feel the judgment of failure? No condemnation. Isn’t that the job of our enemy?

Let’s stop, go back, kiss the wound, and pick him up. Bring her back to the Lord. Help him stand once again. Show her gentleness. Allow him to be loved through you.

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A Few Q's for You
Have you ever had someone come back for you? How did that make you feel?

Do you find it easier to judge the fallen than to help the fallen?

Why would this require being spiritual to help?
Post your answers in a comment. If it is too personal, then keep it anonymous.