Thursday, July 15
Read Galatians 6
Think About It:
- Woven throughout the first few verses of Galatians 6 is the application of “loving your neighbor as yourself”. First, we must truly love ourselves to love others the way Jesus demonstrated love – unconditionally! To restore a believer in the spirit of gentleness is to provide love and support in grace and mercy without any condemnation – and at the same time, guarding our own heart against pride and deception. Verse 4 says, “Let everyone be devoted to fulfill the work God has given them to do with excellence, and their joy will be in doing what’s right and being themselves, and not in being affirmed by others.” When we put others’ needs before our own, we glorify God as we bring restoration (restore = kataritzo in Greek, means to mend or to furnish completely). The process requires patience, grace, mercy, humility and sincere love.
Have you ever brought correction to anyone – or been corrected? Think of any experiences that come to mind and pray about how well that was handled or how it could have been handled better with the example of Jesus in mind. How would Jesus have handled a similar situation? Ask God how you could apply this chapter in future confrontations.
- Verse 7 is true both in the natural and in the spiritual realm: whatever we sow, we will reap. When we pursue things in our flesh, we reap death (corruption). When we sow to the Spirit, we reap life everlasting. Being led by the Spirit leads to abundant life here and now (while on earth) as well as eternal life in heaven! You can spot a lively person, full of joy – and you can easily see those who are focused on the law and sin. When you sow to the flesh, you are being led by the law and see most clearly what everyone is doing wrong. When you are led by the Spirit you are focused on God which leads to being full of life and joy. (Romans 14:17) “The kingdom of God is not a matter of rules… but is in the realm of the Holy Spirit, filled with righteousness, peace and joy.” Our countenance reflects the world we are most aware of. Do you always look like you are mostly aware of the kingdom of God? Do you approach others with a God-consciousness or sin-consciousness? Ask God to show you any area of your heart that needs to align with His Spirit and His Kingdom.
Family Time:
- It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up. It’s a natural law to reap what we sow. It’s true in other areas too. If you talk bad about your friend, you will lose that friend. Every action has results or consequences. If you plant to please your own desires, you’ll reap a crop of sorrow and evil. If you plant to please God, you’ll reap joy and everlasting life. What kind of seed are you sowing? (verses 7-8)
