Final sermon in our forgiveness series. This isn't directly about forgiveness, it's about RESTORATION. But when you restore someone, forgiveness is almost always involved.

GALATIANS 6:1-5 gives us 5 things to do:

1. RESTORE GENTLY

Usually when we forgive, we're forgiving an offense against US. That brings up anger. But Paul says: forgive GENTLY.

Leave your anger at the door. Yes, you're angry. That's okay. But when you talk about forgiveness, that's NOT the time to express your anger.

Start with FACTS. "You did this." State what happened. THEN talk about feelings: "When you did this, this is how I felt."

Paul did this with Corinth (2 Corinthians). He stated facts, then explained how their actions made him feel.

2. WATCH YOURSELF

We don't forgive because we're so much better than the person we're forgiving. Frequently we're just as bad or even worse.

Examine your OWN actions. Even when we forgive, it's very important to set BOUNDARIES.

3. CARRY THE BURDEN WITH THEM

If they ask for forgiveness and you forgive, help them carry the burden of CONSEQUENCES.

Their action brings certain consequences. Help them understand those consequences. Walk through Matthew 18 process if needed: go to them, take witnesses, take to the church.

4. SET BOUNDARIES

Forgiveness ≠ reconciliation. You can forgive and still set boundaries.

If they say "I'm sorry, let's go back to the way things were," you can say NO. That's okay. Saying no is a RESPONSIBLE way to respond.

You might limit personal contact. They broke your trust. You no longer trust they won't do it again.

Examples:

• "We can get together once in a while, but weekly isn't right yet"
• Setting social media boundaries
• Limiting time/contact

5. LET THEM CARRY THEIR OWN LOAD

Galatians 6:2 - "Bear one another's burdens" Galatians 6:5 - "Each man shall bear his own burden"

Contradiction? NO. Two different Greek words.

Verse 2: "Share each other's BURDEN" (heavy crushing weight) Verse 5: "Each responsible for own CONDUCT" (personal pack/responsibility)

We help carry the CRUSHING burden. But they still carry responsibility for their OWN conduct.

Jesus said: "My yoke is easy, my burden is light." We can help carry the crushing weight. But they must carry their own responsibility.

BOTTOM LINE:

Forgive gently. Watch yourself. Carry the burden WITH them. Set boundaries. Let them carry their own load.

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