“You who are Spiritual” (part one)
John D. Telgren


“ Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted (Gal 6:1).”

Many people come to Christ with all kinds of problems that have wreaked havoc on their lives. Jesus is the great Physician, and we are his assistants. Jesus wants to “restore” sin sick sheep back to health.

This passage speaks of restoration. Paul says that when someone is caught in sin, “you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness….”

What does it mean to be spiritual? It seems that everyone has a different idea of what it means to be spiritual. At this point, you might be tempted to try to define or describe spirituality. There is no need to guess, because Paul had already made clear what he means by “you who are spiritual.” Paul had just spent half a chapter talking about what it means to walk by the spirit. In that context, he says,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal 5:22-23).”

Spirituality is not some nebulous mist that you cannot get a hold of, but is something that is both observable and measurable. Unspirituality is equally observable.

“ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21).”

It is plain to see why a person who needs support and encouragement needs a spiritual person. One who is prone to disputes or dissension would not be able to effectively minister to one struggling in sin. Over the next few weeks, we will look at the qualities of spirituality individually and how they contribute to helping to “bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2).”