Tuesday, July 1, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Galatians 6:1–16

My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads. Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised — only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (NRSV)

Reflection

As I increase the font size on my screen from 11 pt. to 14 pt. while typing this reflection, I resonate with Paul’s amusement at “what large letters” he makes when he grabs the stylus from his scribe. Here, he’s leaning into the “meat” of his message: in Christ, we are a new creation!

In contrast to other church leaders among the Galatians who emphasized obedience to the letter of the Mosaic law (mandating male circumcision) as proof of faith, Paul argued for the “law of Christ” as fulfilling required practices under the law, such that those who were born outside of the Mosaic covenant (Gentiles) were indeed one in the family of faith through believing in Christ and by practicing Christ’s witness of love through mutual forbearance.

In other words, Paul’s conviction swam upstream of the “but we’ve always done it this way!” mentality. Though his physical eyesight may have been limited, and his handwriting enlarged, Paul’s spiritual vision of God’s new creation of covenant relationship through Christ was bold. How inspiring it is for us that ancient traditions bear within them the seeds for new ways of living — praise God!

Prayer

God of what has been, what is, and what will be: help us to see the power of your Holy Spirit forming us as a part of your new creation. Let us celebrate with Paul the good news that, in Christ, we are free to join together to promote the common good, for your glory. Amen.

Written by Nancy Benson-Nicol, Associate Pastor

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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