“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.
Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.”
Galatians 6:1-3 MSG
How do you “Live creatively”? The Apostle Paul is admonishing us to look around. There are family members, neighbors and co-workers who need some help. See where you can come alongside the next person…the one that is standing right in front of you.
Or maybe they’re not standing. They may have fallen and are unable to get up on their own. They may be so steeped in sin that they can’t see the forest for the trees. Lend them a hand. Lift them up out of the muck and mire they’re entangled in. Offer the free gift of forgiveness. After all, that’s what Jesus would do.
He wouldn’t step over them, as if He was on His way to someone’s home for dinner and couldn’t be late. He would forgivingly restore them…without hurling insults.
Be careful as you are lending them a hand, that they don’t pull you down with them. You need to have your feet planted on sure foundation (the Word of God) and your eyes fixed on your Master Jesus. Then you can lift them to safety.
And remember, the object is to restore that person’s spirit…not to beat them down. There is no need to rehash everything they did wrong. That is your critical spirit showing and now YOU are in need of forgiveness, as well.
While you are in the “helping hand” mode, look around (be creative) and reach out to those who are poor and needy. There are many. You just haven’t set your eyes to see them. Jesus does. He wants you to help lift another’s burdens that they can’t lift alone. That shows Him you really love Him. Then His love is poured out through you to the ones that are oppressed. We were made to share one another’s burdens.
And if this “helping others” mentality is beneath you, then you know NOTHING of the love of Christ. You are deceiving yourself. So confess that attitude first so that you too can LIVE CREATIVELY!
