Family Living

Galatians 6: 1-5

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 

Someone who is caught up in any kind of destructive habit needs someone who is more spiritually mature to confront him about it; but the one confronting must do this in a very kind, compassionate, and gentle manner, aware that he himself is also vulnerable to similar temptations. 

Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the Law of Christ. 

The Law of Christ is to love one another as He has Loved us. So if we're loving our brother, then we will notice when he needs help with some burden that is too heavy for him to handle by himself.

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 

We are all "nobody, trying to tell everybody about a Somebody." Everything we can do is what the Spirit of Christ in us is doing through us. Otherwise, it's not worth anything, if it is of ourselves. 

But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 

When we are able to accomplish something for His Kingdom, then we can talk about what the Lord has done through us, without having to compare or be in competition with anyone else. 

For each one will bear his own load. 

And each person is responsible for his own daily obligations. 

These guidelines help us to draw the boundaries among our own obligations, what we can help each other with, and when we're too self-sufficient or getting our nose into someone elses's business. 

We are to take care of our own normal responsibilities, and to notice when someone else is having trouble with their obligations. We are to watch out for one another, and help our brother or sister out of a jam or trouble, realizing that we too can slip into something unseemly. And to consider that everything we do for the Kingdom is done in the power of the Spirit in us. 

Let's look at all these things with sober judgment, not going to the right or to the left off of the straight path, and keep our hand in the Lord's hand to lead and guide us every step of the way. 

O my Father, You have provided us everything we need, including each other. Show us who we can help, who we can encourage, and who we can ask for help from. We are all one family, Father, help us to see one another as brothers and sisters, loving each other sacrificially. 

And may our love for one another show the World how You Love all of us, and are not willing for any to perish. So send us out into Your fields, Father; to sow the precious seed of the Gospel, and to reap the fields that are ripe for harvest. 

And fill Your house with Your extensive family, Father, filling each place at Your great Banquet Table, feasting with You forevermore. 

And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, every tongue will proclaim that Jesus is our Christ, the Lord God Almighty, King of Creation, to the eternal glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!