8/30 Galatians 6:1

¹ 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.

Each of us has numerous weaknesses that spring from our fallen nature. While some individuals are more prone to one over another, the temptations we experience are common to us all. When one of our brothers or sisters is caught up in one of those transgressions, they need the help of the more spiritually mature to restore him or her in a spirit of gentleness. Gentleness is an often overlooked fruit of the Spirit. Don't mistake it for timidity. It is a heart that longs to restore the person instead of driving them off. While it is firm at times, it is also understanding, compassionate, and patient, just as the Lord is with us.

While helping the person get out of their particular vice, we should keep a careful watch on our own soul. How many pastors have fallen because they were counseling a woman who was having marital problems? If you are counseling an alcoholic, don't do it in a bar. Know your own weaknesses and stay clear of opportunities to be re-entangled with them. If a needy person is caught up in a weakness you are struggling with, find another person to help him or her. We are not ignorant of Satan's tactics.

If we think we are so strong that there is no danger for us from a certain temptation, we have fallen for the greatest trap of all, pride. The only way to counsel a person caught in pride is to watch out that you don't do so with your own pride leading you. We learn many of our lessons in humility from our spiritual failures.

Remember: When helping a person caught in the trap of some enticing sin, guard your heart from that temptation. Gently but firmly help the person see what they are doing to their own life and to the lives of those they love.