We Are Not That Important

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. [Galatians 6.3]

I think we all need a little dose of Galatians 6.3 quite frequently.

A little earlier, Paul wrote:

For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. [Galatians 5.6]

So, what is important? Faith expressing itself in love. 

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [Galatians 5.13-14]

Okay, I don't want to do it, but I must...

If Paul said the whole law is summed up in one command (to love one another)... and he is saying believers in Christ are free from the Law... see the problem?

But is not that the very point? The old cliche about seeing the forest or the trees becomes appropriate here! Jesus indeed fulfilled the Law (the trees, if you will) so that we might live and walk in love (the forest).

This brings up a topic that has been recurring with me a lot lately - forgiveness. Forgiveness is the epitome of love. Remember, love is of no use unless it is given... I like the word for-given! 

How do we know we are loved? We are forgiven.

How do people know we love them? We forgive them.

What do any of us need more than forgiveness? Nothing.

This brings us back to the original verse quoted at the beginning of this post... We are not too important to forgive others. In most cases, when we help someone, it is an act of forgiveness. Many of the problems people need help with are situations of their own making or decisions. We were not told to help those who deserve help. So, in order to help all, we will have to find forgiveness in our hearts! Help, love, forgiveness... they are all intimately related.

Father, the thoughts from today's reading are overwhelming. Help me to be helpful, loving, and forgiving! I am not too important to do that!