Galatians 6
- It doesn’t matter if you’re outnumbered and it seems like you don’t have what it takes.
- It doesn’t matter if you’ll have to convince your spouse/family to get on board.
- It doesn’t matter if you’ve had conflict with that person in the past.
- It doesn’t matter if they’re in trouble because of their own poor decisions.
As Levi shared yesterday, Abraham set aside the excuses and the comforts in order to protect his family…despite it being Lot’s own choice that brought him to the situation he was in, despite their past conflict, despite being outnumbered – going out with 318 household members against an ARMY (Genesis 14).God blesses us so that we can be a blessing.UnderstandingYesterday, I was convicted on the matter of my own blood-born family. But in reading today’s passage, I’m equally convicted on the matter of doing good to “the family of believers” to which I belong – our church.In our Grow group, we discussed how often times it’s easy to “do good” to people at our work or when we are out and about…but somehow more difficult when it comes to our own family. We often have more patience, consideration, forgiveness and kindness to show strangers, colleagues, employees, etc. than we do our own flesh and blood or towards the church family where God has placed us. Why do you think that is?In searching my own heart on this matter, I think – for me, at least – it is because we have less of a backstory and context with those we don’t know as well. We only see the parts of their story that they are willing to make known…which is probably closer to a highlight reel or filtered view. And, perhaps with less backstory comes less judgement. And, with less judgement come more grace. In some ways, it’s almost as if the less we know, the more compassion we are able to give. Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.I think where it’s easy to get hung up is…WHO decides “who deserves it”? Newsflash! It’s not us. J We are called to see people through God’s eyes, have His heart for them and His compassion for them, give to others out of the abundance that He has given us.Life ApplicationDear God, may I see the world through your eyes! May we see the opportunities throughout today and this week to do good to others in Your name. Lord, help me to remember that I was once lost yet received the greatest gift – salvation through Christ; and may I live in such a way that brings others to that same saving grace. Until then, may I partner with you to “plant” and “water” as often as possible, that the harvest may come. In your precious and holy name, Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei