Scripture: Galatians 5:14-15
14The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Observation: This passage comes as a result of infighting within the church. Some men are insistent that all need to be circumcised in order to be saved, yet Paul explains Jesus eradicated the law and that faith is what is critical now. Here he is explaining that the infighting must stop, as Jesus explained that the law can be summed up by this: Love your neighbor as yourself. He wants us to love as he loves. He does not want us to criticize and attack others.
Application: I get so frustrated when I hear believers criticize other churches and worship styles. Why do people do this? I am so thankful that my church lifts up other churches in prayer every week. We are all believers and followers of Christ. So what if some churches sing different songs or practice traditions differently? If these traditions are Biblically based, and the teaching is Biblically- based, then there is no need for criticism.
As Christians we need to stand together for Christ and not allow Satan to use anything to divide us. He already has enough tools to fight us, let’s band together instead of fight each other. (And yes, just simple criticism starts the infighting… no matter who you are talking to.)
Prayer: Lord, I hope it is okay that I got on this little soapbox today. Thank you for the reminder to support our brothers and sisters in Christ and work together rather than tear apart. Please guide me in loving others and supporting others. Help me to show your love for others to those around me. Thank you for calling me to a church that shares your love not only with its attenders, but also with other churches in our community. Please guide other churches in making that change, as well.
PS God, I’m so sorry I missed yesterday. Thank you for loving me and hearing me even through my missed devotional/SOAP time.
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