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.

This verse has a very nice sentiment.  It also, in my experience, is completely ignored most of the time.  What usually happens when a person is caught doing something wrong is the following:

1. Everyone in the church talks about that person behind their back (also known as a prayer chain)
2. They give this person the ‘knowing’ look with a little bit of pity thrown in
3. This person, many times, is so completely ostracized that they end up leaving the church altogether
4. Everyone then talks about how this person has left God, is angry at God and really needs God… so we should all pray for that person (which is really just another way to continue the gossip chain)

Amen!

Oh, and on another note… Happy Father’s Day to all of you father’s out there!