When a child is learning how to walk, or ride a bike, the child falls repeatedly. We as adults, provide encouragement to get back up again. Our cheers center around softening the blow. We let the child know that it is okay to fall. We clap and cheer saying: “yay. It’s okay. Good job. Keep going. You can do it.”

As we get older, if we fall in a relationship, on our job, in our walk as believers, we hear negative comments: “I knew it. She reaped what she showed…his dad was like that too. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Something has got to change. If we are to demonstrate the love of God, we must do what He says. The word of God says:

“Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted too.” Galatians 6:1 CEB

Restore and watch. Restore means to bring one back to their original state. While you are restoring, make sure you are watching and praying as well. If we restore and watch, we will not have time to judge and condemn.

One day, you’ll need a helping hand as well.

To you who feel as if you have fallen, be like that child. Be relentless in getting back up. Do not quit. Do not give up. You may cry. It may hurt, but quitting should not be an option. The fall gives you the strength to stand. The fall helps to remind you where you came from. The fall helps you to remember how you overcame.

Take hold to the support and encouragement of your brothers and sisters and get up!

Help someone get up and then lift them up.