Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
– Galatians 6:1-10
Devotion
As Paul closes out his letter to the Galatians, we will see how the fruit of the Spirit will work out in our lives. He begins with an admonition to restore one who has fallen into sin. The end goal of grace is restoration or redemption. Because we are saved by grace, we are to extend that grace to those who are struggling to live by the Spirit. Notice that we are to restore that person gently. In Galatians 5:23, one of the fruit mentioned is gentleness. If we are living by the Spirit, then we will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit: gentleness. We must be careful when restoring fallen family members. If not, we could be overtaken by the same temptation. Paul cautions us not to compare ourselves to other believers. Spiritual comparison leads to pride, and pride is the summit of all sins. Solomon wrote, “Pride comes before destruction.” Paul then presents an immutable law that operates in every sphere of life. “A man reaps what he sows.” If we sow to the flesh, we will reap destruction. If we sow to the Spirit, we will reap eternal life. Paul reminds us, “God cannot be mocked.” We cannot escape this immutable principle. Paul then encourages the Galatians to persevere in doing good to others. He promises that this will produce a harvest over time.
The Big Question
Do you find yourself comparing your spirituality to others? Do you take pride in the fact that you are not struggling as much in your faith walk as others? Are you investing your life in things that have eternal value? Are you persevering in doing good to others?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.