Spiritual Restoration
George Fessler
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"My friends, you are spiritual. So if someone is trapped in sin,
you should
gently lead that person back to the right path. But watch out, and
don't be
tempted yourself. You obey the law of Christ when you offer each
other a
helping hand. If you think you are better than others, when you
really
aren't, you are wrong. Do your own work well, and then you will
have
something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others.
We each
carry our own load" (Galatians 6:1-5, CEV).
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This potent, practical passage is worth our personal reflection.
Paul
encourages us to become involved in others' lives, especially if
they go
astray. Yet the attitude we take is most important, as we must be
wary of
spiritual pride. We must recognize our own limits, our tendency
for failure
and become "wounded healers," as Henry Nouwen put it. To be effective,
gentle caregivers we don't look down on others who are struggling,
as if
we're better or more "spiritual." We have enough to keep focused
on
fulfilling our own responsibilities. While carrying our own loads,
we can
also fulfill the law of Christ, by carrying the burdens of others.
This is a
ministry of grace.
Prayer response: Father, I know my life gets filled with many activities
and
responsibilities, but help me to remain open to my brothers and
sisters in
need. Keep me sensitive to their tone of voice, their facial expression,
or
their gradual absence from our fellowship. Don't let me ignore these
cries
for help. Let me to know that I'm just a fellow struggler who is
dependent
on you for grace and strength. Let me show your care to those who
have
strayed from you. I humbly ask this in Jesus' name.
hbdevotion@news.ag.org