Living in the Spirit

June 30, 2022

Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16

My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads.

Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. –Galatians 6:1-10

Paul starts this scripture with the admonition that if we detect a transgression in others who have received the Spirit, we should gently address it with them. The remainder of the scripture basically tells us that we are responsible for our actions and that we are responsible for examining ourselves and staying in sync with God. We do indeed reap what we sow. Since Paul addresses these teachings to people who have received the Spirit, I think the unspoken precursor to this is that we are called to introduce others to the love of God. We are not called to condemn anyone.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I stray from following your way. Help me turn around and regain being in sync with you in all that I do or say. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.