READ: Isaiah 57,58; Psalms 91; Galatians 6
SCRIPTURE: Galatians 6: 1 Brothers
and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should
restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.
OBSERVATION: “Would a
Christian sin?” is one of the frequently asked questions among Christians. Sometimes,
we hear and see the fall of Christians who were once very passionate about
serving the Lord. Even in our local churches, we may see such Christians who failed
to safeguard themselves against sins. How do we handle such Christians? In general,
when a person is caught in a sin, people will be ready to destroy his/her life,
as the Pharisees did in Jesus’ time (John 8:4-5). That is what legalism tells people.
In Gal.6:1, Apostle Paul does not say about a habitual sinner who deliberately/willingly
sins against the Lord. Here, he gives some practical suggestions to the Galatians
who were misguided by the Judaizers or legalists who emphasized following the
law of Moses. It is an important area that every Christian and church should be
aware of to help Christians who struggle with sinful thoughts and traps.
People may say how shall we tolerate such a person who is caught in sin or some
will try to save the person from any severe punishment. Instead of taking any
biased decisions, it is our responsibility to restore such sinner(s) and help
them to come back to Christ. In Gal.5, Paul tells Galatians to “walk by the Spirit”; He contrasts the acts
of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. In Gal.6, he calls those who “live by
the spirit” to show the fruit of the Spirit to restore the person who is caught
in a sin. Some may think, it is the responsibility of church leaders or
powerful persons in the church to handle that person. As Christians, we are all members
of one body in Christ. The Christian life is against selfish life; it is a
self-denying life. We are called to serve one another (Gal.5:13). We are to “carry
each other’s burdens.” At the same time, we need to be watchful in our walk
with the Lord to protect us from any sinful temptations. Those who are standing
firm should be careful not to fall (1 Cor.10:12).
By helping a fellow Christian, caring for each others’ burdens, Paul says we fulfill the law of Christ. Old Testament Law
prescribes punishment to those who violate it. The law of Christ commands us to
show love to rebuild and restore a person. It is easy to blame a person for his/her
sin and punish them. Let us consider: If Jesus asks us the same thing that he told
the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, what would be our response? (Jn.8:4).
Let us remember what Jesus did and told to Peter when he predicted his denial: Jesus
prayed for Peter that his “faith may not fail” and told him, “when you have
turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke.22:31, 32). It is interesting to
read that in the preceding verses of Jesus’ prediction, Jesus says about his
new command of loving one another (Jn.13:34-35). As Jesus’ disciples, let us
love one another and build a community of love.
APPLICATION: When I come to know about a Christian friend’s or believer’s sin, I should not put up with it but should show him/her Christ’s love that would help to come back to the Lord. My priority should be fulfilling the law of Christ than condemning or punishing them. As a Christian, I should not gratify the desires of the flesh. I should live by the Spirit.
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for your word that leads me to your love and light. Jesus, help me to love
one another just as you love me. Lord, help me to keep in step with the Spirit
and to live by the Spirit. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day - 273
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