[il-talk] An encouraging word

[CONCERNED CITIZENS OF PARATRANSIT]

THE UPPER ROOM
Helping the Fallen

Suggested Bible Reading
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My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that
you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they
are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride.
For all must carry their own loads.
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-Galatians 6:1-5 (NRSV)

Today's Scripture

My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that
you yourselves are not tempted.

-Galatians 6:1 (NRSV)

RECENTLY I had an accident while I was working with my guide dog, Elko. I tripped on a bad section of sidewalk, lost my balance, and fell into the street.
I wanted to continue our route, but I was in a lot of pain and could not manage to get up. Fortunately, someone stopped and helped me. Elko and I continued
on our way.

This incident reminded me of today's Bible reading. When someone in a congregation "falls" into sin, the church's members have a responsibility to help
that person back onto his or her feet. We offer this help not as superior and saintly but in a spirit of meekness and humility, knowing that we are all
sinners, fallen and in need of God's grace.

God and God's people pick us up when we fall and set us on the right path again. When we confess our sins, God "will forgive us our sins and cleanse us
from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). When we see fellow believers sin, we do not stand aside and wish them well; we work to restore them and to show
them God's love and grace. Then other people can see that God's love and forgiveness are real.

Roger E. Brannon (Florida, USA)
Prayer
God, in your gracious love, help us to restore those who have sinned and fallen. Amen.

Thought for the Day

Who near me needs my help?

Prayer Focus

Those who are visually impaired

The scripture quotation is from the NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION of the Bible, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.