Because Of God’s Love
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Galatians 6 and Psalm 60 (NIV)
(Ng Chai Seng, Secretary, LCEC)
READ:
Galatians 6 and Psalm 60 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Galatians 6:
v1 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.
v2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
v3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
v4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,
v5 for each one should carry their own load.
v9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
v10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
APPLY:
My takeaway lessons:
- Not to be quick to point out the flaws of others, but to first self-examine (vv1,3-5)
- Share and care for one another, we are all in the body of Christ (v2)
- Do good whenever the opportunity arises, especially to believers (vv9-10)
An elderly couple was taking their seats in a food centre. A middle-aged man came with his food and said the table was reserved, pointing to his bag (not visible) on the other side of the table. How should I react?
On another occasion, a senior man was sweeping leaves off the pavement in the garden. When I slowed down from brisk-walking to greet him, he told me a jogger had shoved past him and just went on without apologising. What should I do?
For the elderly couple, I had the urge to ask the man to offer his seats. However, I chose to usher the elderly couple to two other seats in the busy food centre packed with a lunchtime crowd. For the sweeper, I was tempted to look for that jogger. But I chose to just listen to the senior sweeper, check on his well-being and engage him in conversation on another topic.
I thank God for these opportunities to relate to them in some way.
v10 goes on to say “especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
On Small Group Sunday, Rev Chia Chin Nam prayed for Wesley Methodist Church small groups, “not to grow weary though circumstances may seem overwhelming at times; not rely on our own intellect but to be fully dependent on God; to seek God’s guidance, exercising faith each step of the way; to be united in the kingdom of God that others might know that we are His disciples.” The sticker that I received on that day quoted Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
The church small groups, prayer groups and accountability groups are all relational in nature, a place where we can share our concerns, care and support one another in prayer. Indeed, our God is a loving God. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
DO:
- I will not be quick to point out the flaws of others – but to first examine myself
- I will be thankful to God for small groups and prayer groups – to spur one another
- I will seek God’s wisdom to respond to situations – to extend His love
PRAY:
Dear God, we praise You for You are a Loving God. We thank You for the opportunity to extend Your love to our neighbour, and especially to Your children in the body of Christ. Amen.
