Ga. 6:1, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the SPIRIT of MEEKNESS, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
How many times have we had the urge to Lord it over someone fallen; to look at them in disgust, to shun their very presence, to talk behind their back, to refuse their service, to forget all the good they've done, to spit in their face and kick them when their down?
Those who receive people in meekness have learned a very special lesson. In the right place, at the right time, under the right circumstance - there is no sin we couldn't be tempted with. Only by the grace of God that it isn't me.
Where did we get the idea it couldn't happen to us? Don't we dare think ourselves any better (Ga. 6:3)!
If we weren't abandoned on a door step, raised in an orphanage or maybe even the ghettos; if we were raised with God fearing, loving, non-abusive parents who saw to it that we had the best education money could buy; if we've risen to places of prestige, prosperity, power, respect, and position... how can we think we had something to do with it?
Sometimes, we forget where we came from and who brought us where we are (Ez. 16:21,22). If you ever find yourself in such a place - BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE!
"Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," (Pr. 16:18).
Once we realize the full impact of it happening to us, not forgetting our beginning, we're more than willing to put ourselves in another's shoes, we're happy not to find offense (Ps 119:165) in their weakness (like we don't have any), meekness is no longer a chore, and we welcome restoring than as Jesus would've done (Ga. 6:2), as we hope someone would do for us (Mt. 7:12).
Caring more for their works than the needs of their soul isn't what the Apostle Paul was about (2 Co. 12:14). Reverting to legalism makes us the transgressor and frustrates God (Ga. 2:18,21).
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man soweth that shall he also reap." So, choose to reap the best (Ga. 6:8, 16)... or you might be next.
God takes it very personal how we treat His children.
© by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.