December 20, 2018

SELF EXAMINE

Galatians 6:1-5

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.

Personal Challenge

We are not alone on our journey of theosis, however, we must still take the time to self examine. Paul informs us that when a brother or sister in our human family falls into sin, it is our responsibility as children of God to be present in their lives in a way that helps to restore them and bring them into a relationship with Christ. We are not to do this by being judgmental and arrogant, but in a spirit of gentleness and bearing their burden with them. This is how we love our neighbor. We must be careful though, that we do not fall into the same temptation, or worse yet, the temptation of pride because of feeling better about ourselves for doing what we are called to do. Just as we are examining others to see where we can come alongside them to offer support, we should be examining ourselves to see where we can be bearing our own loads of life and saying "No!" to temptations and sin. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!