Turnovers

I watched the Ravens vs. Bengals football game last night. It was actually a better game than the stats show. The Ravens turned the ball over 6 times. Any football team at any level would want to do their best not to turn the ball over at all.
As Christians we have turnovers, brain freezes, fupas' and such all the time. If you really think about it, any time we sin we are reverting back to our old ways. Also, in doing so we are allowing the enemy a chance to thrive in our lives if only for a few seconds.
Turnovers are deadly. They can ruin a football game, and in life they can ruin our character and our testimony. The Ravens ran the ball decently and played well on defense but all Sportscenter talked about this morning was their turnovers.
It's the same way with Christians. If a person spends all their time feeding the hungry, clothing the needy and spreading the Gospel but falters for one minute in a public setting, that is how they will be remembered. They will eternally be the believer that fell, or the Christian that messed up. And just like the Bengals last night the world wants us to mess up, and they are there to snatch it up the second we do.
What should believers do when they see others falter? Galatians 6:1 says, "Brothers if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."
When we see other Christians fall, we should be quick to pick them up, gently. Instead, in most settings the other Christians are the ones who are gossiping and judging rather than restoring. So, next time you see someone from your church messing up, help them get back on the right path instead of judging or gossiping. Together a football team eliminates turnovers, it's the same with us as believers it takes a group effort.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!