Sunday Thoughts from Galatians 6: 1-2

This scripture reminded me of an old Steven Curtis Chapman song called remember your chains. The chorus of this song reflects the true heart of this scripture passage.

"Remember your chains
Remember the prison that once held you
Before the love of God broke through

Remember the place you were without grace
When you see where you are now
Remember your chains
And remember your chains are gone"

 

This song is clearly about salvation but we can also learn from the display of godly character that should remain intact even when assisting wayward believers.

 

It's so easy for us to think we have arrived spiritually at a place of completeness and maturity.

 

In reality, we sometimes subconsciously lose or trade our humility for pride because of the mighty works God has chosen to work through us. We begin to believe the lie of the enemy that it was a work of our flesh that brought about such change. God deserves the glory.

 

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.      Philippians 2:3

 

We all struggle with sin and need assistance and support from our local community of faith. Paul the apostle challenged the body of believers to react in a manner of respect and humility that's consistent with the gospel that Jesus personally taught them.

 

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”                      Luke 18:13-14

 

Everyone is capable of falling into various temptations that can cause damage to ourselves and those around us. Our responses to help others regain their spiritual composure must be carried out in love and humility and not judgment.

 

It's possible to be firm and scripturally sound but still, carry out this commandment with gentleness and compassion because the next time we might be the one on the receiving end of this process.

 

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.                  I John 3:18