Devotionals for August 23, 2023
Wednesday is for New Life Students! If you know any middle/high school student, invite them to join us tonight at 6:15pm.
READ
GALATIANS 6:1-6
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. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 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. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
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. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 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. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
REFLECT
Yesterday, we read about how keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is living out its fruits of patience, forgiveness, love, and others. Today’s verses is Paul’s follow-up to those fruits. He makes a point that you, or friends you know, maybe pulled in by sin at some point. And when that happens, it’s up to those who are already walking in step with the Spirit to “restore that person gently” and help carry their burdens. This is why true, Christ-like friendship takes the grace of the Holy Spirit and daily walking in step together. It takes humility to see someone suffering and to help them. And it takes humility to accept that help.
APPLY
Q: Paul offers some warnings in this passage. What are they?
Q: How are you prayerfully looking out for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Q: Do you need restoration today? If so, reach out to a close friend in Christ. Similarly, reach out to someone else who may need restoration or help.
Q: How are you prayerfully looking out for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Q: Do you need restoration today? If so, reach out to a close friend in Christ. Similarly, reach out to someone else who may need restoration or help.
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd. Help lead me in all things today. You are the way, the truth, and the life. I praise you! Amen.
Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd. Help lead me in all things today. You are the way, the truth, and the life. I praise you! Amen.