Galatians 4:8-20
The key words are: slaves, zealous. Paul uses family language throughout this passage: brothers and sisters, my dear children. He does this to remind them of their connection to him - he is their spiritual father. Paul reminds them of their history: how he was sick and they did not despise him for it but were so excited to see him that they would have torn out their own eyes to see Paul get better (perhaps a hint that Paul has eye problems). Paul wants the Galatians to have this kind of zealousness but only if it is for the right things. Now they have become zealous about the Judaizer's teaching. This perplexes Paul because they have tasted the freedom that comes from the true gospel of Christ and he cannot understand why they would go back to their former ways.
Paul feels for his brothers and sisters. He compares the pain he has for them to the pain of childbirth (not sure that he would know what that was actually like...). There are times when I genuinely hurt for my students and my volunteers. When I see what they are going through - sometimes pain caused by their own choices, sometimes pain caused by another person's choice - it physically hurts and tears come to my eyes. Those are my good moments. My bad moments are when I am so consumed by the program and my checklist of things that need to get done that I come down on, rather than come along side of, those that are hurting. Jesus, I need you to soften my heart. Remind me that it is your children who matter, not my programs or agenda. Help me to see people through your eyes and to have your heart for them. I think I'm ready to have this prayer answered.
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2 comments:
It's tough to know what to do, I feel the same, when students are living lives that are away from God, it is so tough. Often I wonder exactly how to come along side them. Man only God's love can do it, and working with students boy do I need it to come through me, because I am nothing.
I always wonder how Jesus did it: he was tough on sin but still sinners sought him out. People really liked him because he gave the respect, dignity, worth and love. I need the Spirit to make me more like Jesus.
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