Our scripture this morning is Galatians 6:1-5.
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
The first verse of this passage should guide us during the difficult times we are experiencing – “in a spirit of gentleness”, yet it seems as we face trouble we have only become more belligerent toward each other. We grumble about shortages, businesses not having enough help, and a variety of other things, but this is never productive and rarely do we feel better after complaining. This isn’t how God wants us to deal with the situation or our brothers and sisters.
The forces of evil know that by distracting us from the real issue we can be divided and kept from our kingdom work. Temptation is always lurking, and we are warned “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). When we speak harshly of each other it gives evil a foothold.
We mustn’t let our anger at a situation make us forget our love for God and each other. When we “lose it” and act out against others we are acting against God’s will for us. Remember the blessings we have and the duty God calls us to fulfill.
Loving Lord, we face hard times and hard things. Help us not to become hard people because of it. Guide us and strengthen us, we pray. Amen.