The Weekly Devotion for the Week of June 17
When a brother or sister is caught in sin, our response should be one of gentle restoration.
In Galatians, Paul addresses the challenges the early church faced concerning legalism and living in the freedom granted by Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and living out the love that Jesus taught.
Sin is a reality we all face. Even within the church, believers can and will fall into sin. The goal is restoration, not condemnation. This means approaching others with love, compassion, and a desire to see them restored to fellowship with God and the community.
The key is gentleness. Gentleness reflects the character of Christ. It avoids harshness or judgmental attitudes and seeks to heal rather than harm. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, and those who live by the Spirit are called to exhibit this fruit in their interactions.
Bearing one another’s burdens means being empathetic and supportive. It involves sharing in the difficulties, struggles, and pains of others. This is an active engagement, not a passive observation.
In the previous verse, Paul warns us to watch ourselves so that we are not tempted. This reminds us of our own vulnerability to sin and the need for humility. We are not superior to those we seek to restore; we are fellow sinners saved by grace.
The end of verse two tells us to fulfill the law of Christ. The law of Christ is the law of love. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us in John 13:34. When we bear each other’s burdens, we are living out this command. We reflect the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ.
Make the love of Christ the foundation of all your interactions. Let His love guide your actions, words, and attitudes.