As we continue in our sermon series, The Undivided Life, this week we talked about vulnerability. Part of living an undivided life is learning to become vulnerable with the Lord and with others. When we are completely open, completely surrendered, it is in that place that God can do his transforming work in us, for his power is made perfect in our weakness.
Of course, one reason we resist vulnerability is that it leaves us open to attack, spiritual attack from the enemy, as well as criticism and judgment from other people. Therefore, Paul counsels us to be gentle with each other, and share one another’s burdens.
Scripture: Galatians 6:1-3
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
Reflections
Consider how such practices allow for vulnerability within the Church. When our goal is restoration, we refuse to condemn. When our approach is gentle, others learn to trust us. When we carry one another’s burdens, we remember that we are not alone.
Where have you seen such holy habits lived out in the communities that you’ve been part of? What is the fruit of such habits?
Prayer
Almighty God, your standard for the Christian community is incredibly high; honestly, you usually expect much more from us than we do from ourselves. So give us faith in you to accomplish through us what we cannot do on our own. And give us enough gentleness and compassion to treat others the way you treat us. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.