"The God Pause Daily Devotional" The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 29 June 2016 with Scripture: Galatians 6:1-16

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 29 June 2016 with Scripture: Galatians 6:1-16
Galatians 6:1-16
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When I detect a transgressor, my usual response is not gentle. I want to protect the innocent, serve justice, STOP the offense. It takes a lot of perspective to react as Paul directs the Galatians. "If anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness."
An offender residing at a Minnesota correctional facility wrote, "I was six years old the first time I was told boys don't cry as I ran into a flying fist from my Papa" (Nick Padron, "The Mask You Live In," The Prison Mirror [March, 2016]: 1) This man grew up reacting to violence. Harshness was expected.
What difference could be made with gentleness? Paul continues, "Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Jesus does not hide from our offenses but clings to us through all their repercussions, making us into a new creation. May we also bring new life, especially to those who seem to be running headlong towards death.
Gentle God, help us to tirelessly protect and support the vulnerable among us. At the same time do not let us forget that you love ALL of your creation. Continue to stretch our ability to love. Amen.
Jill Bergman
Associate Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights, Minn.
Master of Divinity, 2003
Galatians 6:1 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.
4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride.
5 For all must carry their own loads.
6 Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.
7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.
10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand!
12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised--only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh.
14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!
16 As for those who will follow this rule--peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.[New Revised Standard Version]
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