Few things are more devastating to the life of someone who has fallen than being placed into the hands of an unspiritual Christian. Many have been permanently damaged by individuals lacking true spirituality, attempting to restore them under the guise of religious duty. Churches are often filled with people who possess spiritual language, attire, activities, and associations, yet lack the essential quality of being genuinely spiritual. Restoration should never be entrusted to those who are not spiritual, for only those walking in the Spirit are called and equipped to handle such delicate work.
Entrusting the work of restoration to an unspiritual person is akin to placing a loaded gun in the hands of a child. It is as reckless as leaving poison within reach or handing the car keys to an intoxicated driver. Despite this, much of the responsibility for restoration falls to those who lack the spiritual maturity and discernment required to handle such a fragile task.
What Does It Mean to Be Spiritual?
The definition is simple yet profound—a spiritual person is one who walks in the Spirit. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The evidence of true spirituality is not found in outward conformity but in the presence of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). Many may follow Christian routines, but without a consistent walk with the Spirit, they lack the power to truly restore.
The term “spiritual” stems from the word spirit, and the suffix “ual” signifies participation or connection. Therefore, to be spiritual is to actively partake in the life and presence of the Spirit of God. Those tasked with restoration must view every situation through the lens of the Spirit, not through personal opinions, church politics, or the pressure of public perception. True restoration flows not from human reasoning but from the leading of Christ through His Spirit.
The Dangers of Flesh-Led Restoration
Restoration driven by fleshly motives—such as pleasing critics, silencing gossip, or maintaining church unity—undermines the process entirely. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). A spiritual person will resist the temptation to restore for convenience or appearance’s sake. Instead, their focus will be on aligning with God’s redemptive plan.
True spirituality is not defined by the ability to quote Scripture or engage in religious discussions but by a consistent walk that reflects the heart of Christ. Spiritual individuals handle the broken with grace, humility, and a sensitivity that reflects God’s own compassion.
Protecting the Fallen
Unspiritual Christians often lack the tenderness necessary to restore the brokenhearted. They may demand outward conformity without addressing the deeper wounds that led to the fall. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Restoration requires spiritual surgery—a task too delicate for those operating in the flesh.
The elder brother in the parable of the prodigal son exemplifies the dangers of unspiritual restoration. His response was driven by a sense of justice and self-righteousness rather than mercy and grace. Thankfully, the father shielded the prodigal from his brother’s condemnation. Churches must adopt the same protective stance, ensuring that the fallen are nurtured by those who embody the Spirit’s gentleness.
A Call for True Spirituality
The scarcity of true restoration within churches reflects the absence of genuine spirituality in the pews. Conformity to religious norms cannot substitute for walking in the Spirit. Without this foundational principle, restoration efforts will be hollow and ineffective. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). The liberty to heal and restore flows directly from the Spirit’s presence.
The words “ye which are spiritual” are not a suggestion but a mandate. The work of restoration is sacred and must be undertaken with fear and trembling by those attuned to the Spirit’s leading. Attempting restoration without spirituality is like attempting to repair shattered glass with a hammer—well-meaning but ultimately destructive.
Characteristics of Those Fit to Restore
A truly spiritual restorer is marked by humility, empathy, and a heart inclined toward grace. “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). They recognize their own frailty and approach the fallen with the awareness that, but for the grace of God, they too could fall. This humility shapes their response and tempers their judgment.
Moreover, spiritual restorers are patient. Restoration is not instantaneous but a gradual process of healing and rebuilding trust. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). Patience prevents hasty judgments and allows space for God’s work to unfold in the life of the one being restored.
Final Thoughts
May churches be filled with those who not only profess faith but live it daily by walking in the Spirit. In doing so, the fallen will find grace instead of judgment, mercy instead of condemnation, and healing instead of further harm. Let every effort at restoration be marked by the evidence of the Spirit’s presence, reflecting the heart of the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one who is lost.