Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way
Read Galatians 6:1-5
Head
In the chapter before today’s reading, Paul shares with the Churches of Galatia how Christians and members of His Church are given the fruit of the Spirit to help live like Jesus wanted them to live. He also gave some pretty clear instructions on sins to stay away from and what happens to people who choose to keep living in sin. In chapter 6, verses 1-5, Paul is still writing to the people of the churches in Galatia, and he begins by telling them what to do if they see someone caught in a sin. It is important to remember that even though Paul’s letters are to the people of Galatia, they still apply to Christians today! Paul said to restore someone gently when we see them sin and to be careful not to be tempted to join in the sin.
Heart
Paul tells us, as people who live by the Spirit, or Christians, to restore the person in sin gently, but what does that even mean? He goes on to say that we should carry each other’s burdens. So, when we see a friend or a sibling struggling with sin, Paul tells us to try to help them see where they are sinning so that they can stay away from it next time. This does not mean to tattle or tell your whole school that your brother messed up again- but to go to your brother in confidence and remind them of the fruit God has blessed them with and how to live using those traits instead of the sinful ones. Of course, sometimes a grown-up needs to be told, it’s never tattling if your friend is doing something that can hurt themselves or others.
Hands
This week, I challenge you just like Paul did the Galatians - to go out and live a life that shows your fruit of the Spirit and encourages others to live like Jesus! Find a friend or sibling you’ve noticed struggling with sin and let them know that you’re praying for them and are there to help carry their burden.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving us Paul’s letters as an example of how we can live a life that is pleasing to You. Please help us to forgive gently and to guard ourselves against sins so that we can lead others to know, love, and follow you through our actions. Thank you for setting the perfect example for all of us in your Son, Jesus, and His time on earth. We love You, God. In Your name, we pray, Amen.