Melissa Tidwell | Read Galatians 6:1-10
“You reap what you sow” has become a casual saying that means something like, “You will get what’s coming to you.” It carries a bit of menace, a warning of divine payback, a bill coming due. But the message Paul is sharing with the Galatians is less about a transaction...
Keep track today of all the places you are sowing seeds of the Spirit—situations you are working and praying for in hope. Imagine the faithful harvest in each intention, and give thanks. Make an effort to sow seeds of peace somewhere today.
The readings from the Hebrew scriptures describe what can happen when our own strength fails us. Naaman is a great military commander from Syria, but he has no power to heal himself. The psalmist, traditionally David, has become too comfortable in his prosperity. Both men must humble themselves before they can experience healing and restoration from God. How often do we let our pride stand in the way of our healing? Paul admonishes his readers to carry themselves with humility and to build up one another. What they do will always come back to them; what we sow, we reap. The story in Luke warns against being proud even of the gifts that God gives us. Our greatest joy is not that we can do things for God but that God has already accepted us.
Read 2 Kings 5:1-14. When have God’s instructions been more involved than you expected? How did you respond?
Read Psalm 30. How can you continue to praise God during dark, lonely, and hopeless times?
Read Galatians 6:1-16. When has your faith community struggled with members’ lack of humility? How did you resolve the situation so that you could welcome and nurture new Christians?
Read Luke 10:1-11, 16-20. When have you misconstrued God’s accomplishments as your own successes? How did you refocus your life or ministry on serving God?
Respond by posting a prayer.