Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Accepting Christ - spirit of gentleness
Galatians 6:1-5
Vs 4 Each one should  test their own actions 
How often do we tend to walk away from a friend when we see that they are spiraling down a wrong path? Many of us would chose to leave or turn away because of the difficulties involved with providing help to that individual. Here in Galatians 6:1, Paul reminds us how we are called to show love immediately when we something like this occurring for if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Transgression refers to sin or wrongdoing. Our response should not be to run away, but to walk with them on the journey of t restoration. We are called to display a spirit of gentleness, of kindness and love. 
Look at how Jesus treated Judas Iscariot. Jesus was very much aware that Judas would be the one to betray him later, but yet Jesus never singles him out or ostracizes him. Instead, Jesus shows him loves by continuing his entire ministry with Judas whether it be breaking bread with him at the last supper or even washing his feet. 
Paul also warns us to not fall into similar temptations as our falling friend, reminding us that we are not any better than they. We are to uplift one another’s needs before the Lord and not think that we can carry them on our own. We are fooling ourselves if we think either or the two because he later reminds that we each have our own burden that we expected to carry, but yet as a community of faith we are called to help one another with the bearing. It’s not the expectation that others will carry our burdens, but Paul is encouraging us to follow Jesus’s simple command of loving one another. Let us remember that  we are called to live and love in community, that even though this life might be difficult, we have brothers and sisters in Christ around us to encourage and uplift as well show a spirit of gentleness when we may turn to the wrong path. 
PRAYER
Heavenly Father allow not my pride to overtake me into believing that I am better than any of those around me. Help me to understand that I am to lay my burdens down and share in carrying the loads that others face. Even when my brother or sister falls, allow me to show them Your gentleness so I can love them as you would. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Lord, who have I not shown gentleness to in this past week?
Jeeba Thomas, St. Peter’s MTC, New Jersey
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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