Paul doesn’t live in 2023 America. He obviously doesn’t understand how things work. Can you imagine confronting someone about a sin today? It will not go well for you. “You can’t judge me!” Why do you use the Bible to beat up on people?” “The Bible says do not judge, lest you be judged.” These responses seem more likely than restoration. Or do they?

Especially in my younger years, I have had people who approached me to share concerns. It was my relationship with the person which dictated the effectiveness of their restoration attempt. Also, their humility, or lack thereof, affected the interaction. I can tell if someone wants to hurt me or help me. I can tell if someone humbly approaches me and has my best interest at heart. If those people are the ones to come to me, in a spirit of gentleness and love, I am much more likely to submit to them. If someone comes at me out of pride and a desire to be “right,” I will close my ears and add to my sin with what I say to them.