Tag Archives: the book of Galatians

September 2
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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Lending an ear, extending a hand, or offering your heart in sympathy to someone in need fulfills the law of Christ.  Carrying the burden of someone else seems easy enough, but as they say: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

We are tempted to by-pass others in need for the same reasons that those who know not Jesus by-pass persons in need: Helping others takes time.  Bearing the burden of others requires us to be personally engaged.  For these, and related reasons, we decline to help.

The law of Christ is simply stated but broad in its application.  Welcome every opportunity to be the friend to others that you would like others to be to you.  – Luther

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March 23
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“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7, NKJV)

We need to beware of thinking — as most of the world does — that because we have “gotten by” that we have, “gotten away.”

We sin, but because we have not immediately suffered the consequences of our sin, we wrongly think that God’s law is on holiday.  This is akin to thinking that just because we have, somehow, avoided being pulled-over by the sheriff for exceeding the speed limit, that it is somehow okay to exceed the speed limit.

Don’t be fooled.  God’s law stands forever!

God’s commandments are for our protection, and for our provision.  Just because we are successful in flouting God’s law does not mean that we are wise.  We shall be called to give an accounting, whether in joy because we have obeyed; or in tears, because we have been found disobedient.  – Luther

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September 26
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“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” (Galatians 6:3-5, NIV)

Today’s scripture warns us against self-deception, pretense, and the perils of comparing ourselves against others.

Elevating ourselves at the expense of others is easy: We can always find someone else less virtuous, less compassionate, less generous, less devout, and less holy than our perception of ourselves.

However, God doesn’t grade on the curve.  Jesus is the unyielding standard for divine judgment.  All other standards are either false or deceptive.  How do we compare when measured against Christ (which is a practical translation of what it means to be “Christian”)?

When we think we are something we are not, we act in accordance with our deception and are, in effect, pretenders.

Exhibit moral courage!  Always see yourself as God sees you, and live-up only to His standard.  Then, you will have no fear of being uncovered as a plagiarist, a pretender, or a prideful poacher.  – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement will return on Monday, Lord willing.  Have a wonderful day in worship!  See you on Monday! 

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