Friday, October 30, 2026

Scripture

“My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” Galatians 6:1a

Reflections

Some Christians feel that it is their calling to be a part of the God squad.  They scrutinize every aspect of their other Christians’ lives, trying to point out their sin.  They confront them and then demand that they repent.  It is almost as if they’re saying, “Why can’t you be a perfect Christian like me?”

Entirely law-based sermons are preached chastising people for their sins.  People hear the truth of the wrongs they’re living.  But where’s the grace in it?  And then we find popular evangelists being knocked down from their pedestals by their own improprieties.

Where’s the humility in being a self-righteous judge over others?  Where’s the honesty?  We are all sinners in need of a Savior.  Jesus is the one who said, “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye but do not notice the log in your own eye?” (Mt. 7:3) 

When a person stumbles and falls to temptation, they need a loving hand to help them up, not a baseball bat to beat them when they’re down.  The Christian life is not just a matter of pointing out each other’s sin so that we can make each other perfect.  It’s a matter of love and gentleness and living in the grace of God.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for my brothers and sisters in the faith who kindly pick me up when I stumble.  Help me to remember it’s not about me being perfect but about You loving the imperfect.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Galatians 6:1-5