These are Paul’s final words to the believers in Galatia, and they pack a punch. He reaffirms all that he has taught them, nearly beating them over the head with the truth. Here we feel like Paul is affirming us and sending us on our way equipped to face the evils of this world better than before.
Paul empowers his readers to live their faith out loud and help other believers who may be struggling. There is no question in Paul’s mind that brothers and sisters in Christ are going to stumble. That’s a given. But for each fallen soul, there needs to be a stronger believer standing by to help Jesus rescue them. But there is danger of falling in the pit right along with them, so beware!
Because Paul knew we might dig in our heels a little, he said, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” You are not that important when it comes to getting out of your mission. But you are important to God and His mission. Does that make sense? We are the hands and feet of Jesus on this planet, and Jesus shared the burdens of his friends.
Maybe Paul’s words struck a different chord with you. Perhaps you’re struggling with feeling adequate or questioning your work or life choices. Maybe you’re stuck comparing yourself to everyone else—after all, social media feeds allow people to post only the “happy” side of life. Maybe you’re fighting with God because you don’t understand how his justice works.
I personally love Paul’s encouragement: “Don’t give up!” He knows how a sinful nature can trip us up. He knows that following the Spirit is better. What sounds better, decay and death or eternal life? Listen to the promise. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
In Paul’s day, many would have found it hard to fathom that the cross of Jesus alone can save. That’s why there was so much pushback when it came to following the “rules.” Paul’s message was what Jesus wanted everyone to know. As Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Jesus didn’t say he was “a” way, but “the” way. Do you have a hard time trusting Jesus’ work on the cross for your salvation?
Doubts and questions are okay. “What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” That’s the work that Jesus has done in our lives. The transformation comes from the Holy Spirit living on the inside. As believers, we are all new creations walking around this planet. It’s our job to fill this world with lots of new creations.
When it comes to our transformed lives and living our mission, Paul prays this for you: “May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.”
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for pouring out your peace and mercy on my life. I may feel the pressures of the world and have questions without answers, but I truly believe you are the one and only way to eternal life with the Father. Your sacrifice for me was so big, and I ache for all that you endured for me. Continue to guide my steps and direct my voice to lift up your holy name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
