What a needed reminder. It seems I grow weary every day, but this passage is reassuring. That in DUE TIME, I will reap. I find the sowing and reaping concept interesting to contemplate. Although I know very little about crops, I can make a few observations. If I do not sow any seeds, there won’t be a crop. If I sow bad seeds (sowing in my flesh), the crop produced will be bad. If I sow good seed (sowing to the Spirit), the crop will be good. I have to keep sowing season after season. I can’t do it once and be done. Generally, the more you plant, the more you harvest although the actual increase depends on God. And I can’t give up too soon because in God’s time, what is sown will be manifest.
The previous post about the power of words is an example. Sowing life giving words will result in life, I cannot sow criticism and judgement into relationships and expect grace and favor in return. I can not sow disrespect and expect honor. I should not be surprised if I have spent my days reading/listening to the thoughts of men and women instead of God’s word and then cannot discern God’s wisdom for a situation.
Read Galatians 6. How do we correct one caught up in sinful actions or thinking patterns? How does verse 2 “bear one another’s burdens” fit with verse 5 “each one will bear his own load.” How are you sowing to your self or the world and expecting a good result?
As we conclude Galatians, remember 6:10, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who are of the household of the faith.” Is there anything you need to do, or any way you need to change your thinking to align with what God has shown you in Galatians?
Poiema by Lynn 
Well, how appropriate a title. I am right now exhausted from the day’s activities, and the time is not quite here to be watching the 3 grandkids solo. Their parents leave tomorrow after which I (and their grandfather) will be left to watch them. i will need all the energy I can muster to keep up with three active, inquisitive, competitive, and many times quarrelsome siblings. I’m already spent watching them in action, and their parents haven’t even left yet!
I ask your prayers for strength, wakefulness, patience, and enthusiasm for these next 8 days. Thank you.
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We are to guide those in errant paths back to the straight and narrow, with humility and love, making sure we remain faithful and not fall into wrong or sinful ways ourselves. …i find myself hesitant when I see a new Christian reacting to a situation at work with a worldly attitude, not one stemming from the love of Christ. Will they think of me “holier than thou”; will my statements of correction drive a wedge through our relationship? But deep inside I do feel that conviction that something needs to be said…otherwise, letting this go without saying could mean she would not realize how having Christ in her means showing Christ’s perspective which is love.
Galations has shown that our faith lies in the work already done by Christ’s sacrifice. We need to go forward with that gift and share it with whom we interact daily or occasionally, showing that we are grateful to be children of God by exemplifying His love in our lives.
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Thank you so much, Lynn, for facilitating this online bible study. I appreciate you patiently posting our readings and guiding us with pertinent questions to get to the heart of the message.
Hoping that we may do another in the near future, as we take a break for summer
Again, much gratitude for your willing heart to do this with us. Love, Adela
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Lynn, you said it perfectly when you wrote we cannot expect grace when we sow criticism and judgment nor can we expect honor when we sow disrespect. As God said (through Paul) in Galatians 6:1, Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. This led me to Romans 14:1, which says, Now, accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.
Reading Galatians 6:1-5 has me examining my own life as grace begins within. Without grace, how can I extend grace without thoughts of criticism and judgment. Words spoken with hints of reprimanding when instead there should be TRUE grace flow into the minds of those listening. In this I am indirectly judging and criticizing.
There are so many people caught in trespasses (I was one of them)……….God still catches me in trespasses (thoughts which are shockingly brought to mind). Knowing this………deeply knowing this, I pray God will continue to change my mind so that HE can use me in HIS work to restore those caught in trespasses in a spirit of (HIS) gentleness. No judgment, no criticism. Could the trespass be not believing? Understanding this, gentleness is sooooo needed.
I think bearing one another’s load (the brethren) …….the load in reaching out to unbelievers require much prayer, coming to gather in fellowship, reaching out together in love .
In verse 6, it says the one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Lynn, God has taught me so much through His word and through you teaching HIS word. I have such fond memories of our studies back in 2002 (?) – 2005. I am glad to be continuing studying with you and the ladies.
Thank you. I look forward to what you have next !!!!
By the way, was I way off track. I sometimes get carried away and keep typing without looking back. hehe
Have a great August. Are we taking a break?
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That is true how we are all are caught in trespasses at one time or another, in need of correction and want to be corrected gently. Yes, we will take a break for August then resume our discussions. Aloha!
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HI Lynn,
You probably mentioned this earlier……..what does poiema mean?
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Poiema is from Ephesians 2:10 meaning masterpiece or workmanship and I chose it as the title to remind us that we are each a precious, unique creation of our Heavenly Father.
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Hi Lynn,
Thank you Lynn for leading us in this study of Galatians. It has been a joy to realize we are saved by His precious grace and not by the things that we do:) It is amazing that when we are studying that the Lord teaches me further through sermons on the radio or through songs like the song Flawless:) Have you heard of it?
This is a great reminder today to not grow weary of doing good and we need to sow good words… and good deeds …and it starts with filling our minds with His thoughts and His Spirit.
What a great way to end this chapter… with a reminder to share what we learn with our teacher… you! So thankful for all that we are learning.
I just want to add that I still remember and the Holy Spirit leads me to recall our study on Calm My Anxious Heart. Thank you for your willing heart to use your gift of teaching to sow good seeds in our lives:)
Enjoy your August!
Love in Jesus,
Crystal
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Crystal – I wasn’t sure I had heard the song (Flawless) so I You-tubed it and the accompanying video was amazing – worth watching 🙂
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