Lord of life, grant rich blessings upon the needs of this dear reader today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Galatians 6:1-5: 1 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. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads.
How much love do you have for your brothers and sisters in the faith? And how do you show that love? I ask because apparently, it's been a trend of "believers" to not help brothers/sisters in trouble; it seems like we like to talk about or condemn others before we offer assistance of a positive nature. Paul encourages a loving response shared in a "spirit of gentleness." And that response he mentions is to "restore" that person. Many times our temptation is not to restore but to chastise and cast out; and that's not the Christian response in most cases. Paul reminds us that we ourselves are tempted and could just as easily be tempted into a spirit of judgment and condemnation, knowing full well that perhaps we've traveled down that path as well. For the clergy, it is recommended that we form peer accountablility groups where we can meet weekly or regularly to share with each other our burdens and cares. And in those groups we should hold ourselves up in a honest light to see just where we are and where we need to be. The laity also can and should have those. Those who have gone on a Walk to Emmaus or similiar retreats, know there are what are known as Fourth Day groups where basically we can ask those type of questions. The results have been positive blessings in the lives of those who regularly share with others.
The Bible continues to be the mirror we should use to see how we "look." Paul provides a lot of the "lists" of where we are and where we need to be. Remember the last chapter in this letter he lists there the "fruits of the Spirit" as those things that postive for our lives. Let's re-read that above passage in Eugene Peterson's The Message version of the Bible:
1 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. 2 Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. 3 If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. 4 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. 5 Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
PRAYER: Loving and merciful God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Many are the times I have fallen into that category of not wanting to restore my brothers or sisters. Grant me a heart like Jesus' so that I may love more. Grant me also the mind of Christ so that I might have the wisdom I need to bless others. I ask this in His precious Name, Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
