Today’s Reading Galatians 6 and Ephesians 1
In this week’s blog we have the closing of one book, Galatians, and the beginning of the next book, Ephesians. In both of these books Paul is addressing the churches which he has established in both of these territories. The churches in Galatia actually are not in just one city but in a territory which is located in a large landmass. The book of Ephesians is a city which is a major trading center in the time of Paul and the apostles.
One of the main themes that transcends both of these books is the clarity of each of the churches’ mission. Paul, as in the previous books, is giving advice and guidance to the churches that have been established in the early days of Christianity. In these early days of Christianity there are many individuals who are trying to re-established the central theme of Christianity and to make it more like the past Jewish faith. But Paul is clarifying that the foundation of the Jewish faith that was established with circumcision is not required to worship Christ. The only circumcision is that of the heart: removing your previous self from the new creation that Christ has given to us freely without hesitation or pain.
In this passage in Galatians, there is such compassion and grace that Paul gives us as a standard for our daily life. It is correcting each other with gentleness.
Galatians 6:1-3
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
As I have stated previously in many of my blogs, God uses my daily life to highlight his word that he’s given to me. This passage that we read today, helped me to exhibit the gentleness and correction of my children. From my childhood, I remember my parents and mentors giving me advice and direction many times with gentleness and compassion when it was not warranted. These examples I have been able to reflect in my own parenting.
Just the other evening, I was able to channel the Spirit of God to use my gentleness and help my son correct some of his assignments. First I asked to say a prayer so that we could have gentleness between the two of us. The next thing was reviewing and making a plan that the two of us could follow and be able to achieve our goals.
Sometimes it’s hard to work with gentleness, especially when you have previously worked with them. But God chooses to work with us with gentleness every time we make a mistake. Because he is a good father, he uses gentleness with us in our corrections. No matter how many times we make mistakes God uses his gentleness to correct us. I am so fortunate that God has used his gentleness with me throughout my life. I pray that the Spirit of God will continue to be with me as I help others, because I would want the same amount of gentleness given to me as I am being corrected.
As we grow and mature, I’ll pray that God gives us the ability to see clearly and give gentleness as we correct and guide each other.
Be Blessed