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Helping Others

Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. (Gal. 6:1)

If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven – if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Cor. 2:10-11)
The connections between these two verses of Scripture may not be obvious. There are, I think, two connections:

1. “You who are spiritual” and “I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake.” A spiritual person must be forgiven and forgiving.
2. “But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” and “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” There is a parallel between watching yourself and being aware of his schemes.

Here are a few other Scriptures with similar warnings:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Eph. 6:10-11)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Pet. 5:6-9)
The first part of each of the above verses are reasons we cannot help others. We are not spiritual, gentle, forgiving, strong in the Lord, or humble. The second part of each is why we fall. We do not watch ourselves, we are outwitted, we are unaware, we are not alert.

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