A NEW CREATION
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Opening Prayer
Holy Spirit, as I read Scripture today, speak to me through it and show me how I can better live for Jesus.
Read GALATIANS 6
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Doing Good to All
6 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. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Not Circumcision but the New Creation
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God.
17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Footnotes
- Galatians 6:14 Or whom
- Galatians 6:16 Or rule and to
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What triggers can challenge the harmony of your family or Christian community?At the end of this letter, Paul emphasizes some of his main points. We are people of the new creation, children of God, and as we learn to live by the Spirit (not the Law), there will be challenges.
First, Paul speaks to the stresses and strains of living as part of the Christian family. Things go wrong and, as human beings, we sin. The gentleness of the Spirit is needed as we seek in love and kindness to ‘restore’ one another and ‘carry each other’s burdens’ (v. 2)— that’s the way to fulfill Christ’s law (v. 2). Watch out though! It can be easy to think we’re right and we’re better than others (vv. 3, 4)! Keep on living to please the Spirit, not the self (v. 8).
Paul finishes by repeating the main point of his letter. The true Israel of God is made up of those who know salvation is only through the cross of Jesus. Outward signs of religiosity mean nothing (v. 15). Paul has turned from the world, making his beliefs plain (v. 14). Here he speaks God’s assurance to all those who follow this way too. In living as part of God’s new creation, we find peace and freedom as we trust in the grace—the undeserved mercy—of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 18).
Apply
Where might there be places God is calling you to greater gentleness, more compassion and patience, deeper love?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, in my walk of faith, help me seek to please you alone, boasting in your cross and seeking to bring glory only to you.
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