SCRIPTURE: Galatians 6
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. [Galatians 6:2] Paul concludes his letter with an appeal to focus on faith expressing itself through love, and not on being religious (whether a person is circumcised or not). God is much more concerned about how we treat each other, than how we observe religious rituals. Of course, the OT Law commanded such rituals; but they were temporary symbols pointing to a reality beyond themselves, found in Christ. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. [Colossians 2:16-17] God desires mercy, not just sacrifice.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” [Matthew 22:36-40] Our top job is not to judge others, but to help others. We show that we love God by loving others. This love is more than tolerating them, it is bending over backwards to do what we can to help or bless them. If they are in trouble, we step in, even though there are risks and sacrifices.
Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.[Galatians 6:15] What is this ‘new creation’? It is the fully restored kingdom paradise, what God originally had in mind for humanity in this world. And this paradise is rooted and grounded in love. What makes paradise so good? Its that love God and people fully. In the new creation, people will naturally exercise the fruit of the Spirit. Eternal life in God’s kingdom will not consist of religious rituals and practices; it will consist of God and people perfectly loving one another, and therefore no sadness, no tears, no misery.
This new creation is the result of the Spirit of Jesus in us, transforming us in this life to prepare us for the next life. He is producing in us NOW what will be normal THEN. Until THEN, we must partner with Jesus and His Spirit to live this kind of loving, good life. We must persevere when it is hard. We must not give up, but strive with all His might. If we do, together we will overcome. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [Galatians 6:9]
PRAYER:
Lord, help me value what really matters to You – loving as You loved.
Love, love, love, love.
The Gospel in one Word is love.
Love your neighbour and your brother.
Love, love, love love.
Those words came to mind as I read the passage for today. The summary of the law also states my task very simply – Love God. Love man. Never become weary in doing good. Live the word in action. A Christian is a doer – doing acts of mercy, sowing the fruit of the Spirit.
I need to be a do bee. I do good to all not to receive honour and glory but because of Christ Jesus living within me. His name must be glorified through my humble actions. He gives me the power, the resources, the insights to live a life of discipleship, fellowship, followership, in the building of His new creation so that all things up there may be down here. Heaven upon earth. That’s what matters. Thy kingdom come Lord. Use me each day in that service Lord.
1. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring you love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, – only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3. O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consolded as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul – .
4. Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.