Devotion:
Read Galatians 2:11-14.
In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul emphasized the freedom that Jesus Christ offered from having to follow all of the Jewish laws and customs in order to be right with God. Everywhere he went, he emphasized that we are saved by the grace that Christ offers. It is simply a matter of accepting that gift of grace. But others often came in behind Paul and spoke against what he was teaching, saying you had to follow the Jewish way, along with believing in Jesus.
In the midst of this letter where he is again making his argument, he tells about the time when he had to confront Peter, the leader of Jesus’ disciples, about this issue. Peter knew that what Paul was teaching was right, but even he had apparently been intimidated by those who believed differently. Paul confronted him right in front of the others. Personally, I would love to know more about how that conversation went!
Sometimes our conversations with Christian brothers and sisters have to include challenging them and speaking the truth in love. The ideal is that this is not done in front of others, but individually (see Matthew 18:15-20). The key is that we do it, rather than avoiding it, and that we do so humbly. We state what we believe to be right and invite the other person into further conversation, together praying for God’s will to be discerned. After all, that is what we are always to be seeking.
Personal Worship Option:
Consider this prayer today: Gracious God, give us both wisdom and courage to confront our Christian brothers and sisters when necessary and to do so in a way that honors you and helps us both grow in your Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.
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