Aim For Restoration 2 Corinthians 13:11 Luke 15 We are commanded to restore the fallen brother and to “aim for restoration.” Our motivation is the joy of the lost being found. Our means of accomplishing restoration is forgiveness and reassurance in love.

Aim For Restoration 2 Corinthians 13:11 Restore Your Brother! Galatians 6:1 Be Perfectly Joined Together! (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Restoration brings Rejoicing! Luke 15 In the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, rejoicing occurs when the lost has been found (Luke 15:6, 9) Rejoicing over the restoration of the lost is also an integral part of the story of the Prodigal son (Luke 15:20-24, 32)

Restoration brings Rejoicing! Luke 15 The older brother did not rejoice (Luke 15:25-30) He was envious (James 3:16) He felt superior (Titus 3:3-5) He was focused on fairness, not grace (James 4:6) He was bitter (Hebrews 12:15) We must express Forgiveness and Reassurance if we do not wish do be a “device” of Satan! (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)

Restoration Requires Reaffirmation and Reassurance Peter had denied the Lord (Luke 22:61-62) Peter seems unsure of his future usefulness (John 21:3) Jesus asks Peter THREE times, “do you love me?” (John 21:15-17) The Lord provides Peter with reaffirmation and reassurance (John 21:18-21)

Facilitating Restoration Often, someone must help facilitate restoration. Paul helped Onesimus be restored to Philemon (Philemon 8-17) Barnabas performed a similar service for Paul and the Jerusalem brethren (Acts 9:26-28)

Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:12-15 When someone repents and returns to the fold, we need to STOP ringing the alarm bell! Let us… Rejoice! Forgive! Reassure! Facilitate! Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:12-15