Gal. 5:14-15
“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
I remember growing up on a farm where we had a lot of different animals that I had to take care of each day. I enjoyed seeing the different animals live together and to watch the beauty of each one. However, one day these wild dogs started to chase some of our cows and killed a few. This was a heartbreaking experience to see these dogs consume my cows. The cows did nothing to these dogs, but they wanted something they weren’t supposed to have, and just took what they wanted.
At moments, I see this happening among believers to other believers in the church more often than I like to see. Paul is communicating that God calls His people to love one another past their neighbor’s understanding. Jesus Christ died on a cross to make a way to God the Father. Jesus gives us the ability to love our neighbor as ourselves through His salvation.
The Galatian people had their focus on trying to be better than their neighbor, instead of loving them past their understanding. God’s people need to be always encouraging, always caring, always willing to serve, always willing to give of themselves, and always willing to love no matter the situation or circumstance. The church that Jesus Christ died for is better than wild dogs. Always live and walk by the love of Jesus Christ.
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- What would compel believers to bite and devour one another?
- Are there any church issues or individuals in your fellowship that are consuming your thoughts
- Take some time to pray that God would renew your mind with peace, perspective and forgiveness so that you can love your neighbor as yourself.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
A big thank you to Macon Jones for the devotional thought today!
