No man stands alone. No man is without sin and weakness at some point in his or her life. We need each other. No man is an island.
Its easy to talk about the Fruit of the Spirit in ethereal terms. Its easier to be mystical than practical. Its much easier to talk about it; even pray about it; without DOING much about it.
In Gal.6:1-5, Paul unpacks what it means to manifest the Fruit of the Spirit by giving us an intensely practical exhortation: God has brought the sin of another Christian to your attention. What are you going to DO about it?
Beginning at the source for all Holy Spirit generated virtues, "love," Paul brings us full circle in 6:2 by telling us that in manifesting this fruit inwardly and outwardly, and then treating one another accordingly, we “thus fulfill the law of Christ,” which is to love.
Paul's message is: Not, that you attempt to "keep the law by…"; but that "you fulfill it when…."
One is generated by pride; the other, by love. One is religious; one relational. One man-generated; the other God-generated. One horizontal; the other vertical. Big difference.
“For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the {statement} "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (5:14)
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled {the} law. (Rom 13:8)
Two things NOT to do when becoming aware of sin in a brother or sister:
1) Nothing, which is hateful cowardice. 2) Tell them, “Its okay. Your sin is no big deal.”
Two things you MUST do if you love them:
1) Go to them. 2) Tell them the truth with gentleness and humility; and, in private and with love.
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