Sunday Reflection (July 3, 2022)

When someone is caught in a trespass Paul steers “spiritual ones” away from fueling fires that produce harshness and bitterness; rather, he advocates a humility and gentleness that arises from an awareness and recognition that we all can fail (Galatians 6:1-10). A non-spiritual person desires to embarrass the person and tells others how bad this person is. A non-spiritual person parades the failure of another as if the person parading the failure of another is perfect. A non-spiritual person desires punishment and retribution with no thought of restoration.

May we not forget that the goal of reconciliation in humility is restoration and not punishment for punishment’s sake. God’s goal for humanity is restoration and not punishment for punishment’s sake. Like God in Christ, may we show mercy and forgiveness and not become spiritually arrogant.