Together in Christ: 'Biting, Devouring, Destroying?' — Galatians 5:15

Wow! Notice the strong words Paul used to describe the disagreements going on between brothers and sisters in Galatia — "biting... devouring... destroying"! We might be tempted to think of this as exaggerated preacher talk, except Paul used stronger language directed at those causing the problems and pain. ^[1]

One of the things Jesus' night with His disciples before His crucifixion teaches us is that our deepest wounds can be caused by those closest to us in God's family. Jesus' apostles betrayed, ^[2] denied, ^[3] and forsook ^[4] Him in His hour of deepest need. They couldn't even stay awake to pray with Him for an hour! ^[5]

Paul had openly persecuted disciples before His conversion experience as he approached Damascus to continue his persecution. ^[6] He knew the determination and vitriol of well-intentioned heretic hunters gone bad! Paul wanted to show these warring Christian believers in Galatia that freedom in Christ means freedom to serve and bless — not bite, devour, and destroy. Paul knew Jesus wanted His followers to be identified by their love for each other so the world could see God had sent Jesus to save and bless all people. ^[7]

Let's be extra careful in how we talk about each other in Christ. Let's ensure the mountain we are making isn't just a minor issue that is important only to us. If we are not careful, we will cause lasting damage to each other, our fellowship, and our influence on our communities! Let's "watch out" and not let our traditions, strong wills, and familiar ways of doing things create walls between each other, walls that Jesus didn't want to be built.