Live Creatively • Galatians 6

 (Painting by Gracie)

Live creatively, friends. 

Galatians 6:1

 •

Make a careful exploration of who you are a

nd the work you have been given, 

and then sink yourself into that. 

Don't be impressed with yourself. 

Don't compare yourself with others. 

Each of you must take responsibility for doing 

the creative best you can with your own life. 

Galatians 6:4-5
 •

For my part, I am going to boast about nothing 

but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. 

Because of that Cross, 

I have been crucified in relation to the world, 

set free from the stifling atmosphere 

of pleasing others and fitting into 

the little patterns that they dictate. 

Can't you see the central issue in all this? 

It is not what you and I do—s

ubmit to circumcision, reject circumcision. 

It is what God is doing, 

and he is creating something totally new, a free life! 

All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—

his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them! 

Galatians 6:14-16
•

Breathing in deep all that You are.

You are the Creator.
I have been made in Your image.
Your Spirit dwells within me.

You want me to be creative.
To take what You have given me,
who You have made me to be
and live in creative freedom as You
lead me throughout my life.

Oh how sad it must make You
when we cower in our little boxes,
being restricted by rules You did not
give us, shunning people
for mistakes they have made,
instead of lifting them up in love.

You are so gentle and patient with me.
Help me to be that way with those
You have placed in my life.
Graciously building into their lives,
helping them carry their burdens, and
gently correcting them when they go astray.

You have made me unique, special,
with my own journey to take as I follow You.
Help me not compare myself to others,
but to stay focused on You and what You
have for me to do.

You are at work in me!
You are creating a new life in me,
around me, through me.

Thank you, Jesus!

Kingdom Lessons from Matthew 18

The way of the Kingdom of God is so opposite of what my flesh chooses on its own.

If someone hurts me, even just some tiny, hurtful comment, I quickly fly to defend myself and hurt back if I can. 

But this is not His way.

"If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—

work it out between the two of you. 

If he listens, you've made a friend. 

If he won't listen, take one or two others along

so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest,

and try again.

If he still won't listen, tell the church.

If he won't listen to the church,

you'll have to start over from scratch,

confront him with the need for repentance,

and offer again God's forgiving love."

 --

Matthew 18:15-17

•

This whole chapter seems to be a pattern for us.

Is the order of these verses and that they are all together important? 

Do they give more insight into living the way of the Kingdom?

It is not about us being right.

It is not about condemnation, penance, punishment.

It is about concern for another.

It is about patience.

It is about mercy.

It is about forgiveness.

When a fellow believer has hurt us, 

we go to her, talk with her, 

give her many chances to see her sin and repent.

(Matthew 18:15-17)

Right after those verses, 

Jesus talks about the importance of our words

and how powerful it is for us to get together

with another believer and agree in prayer.

(Matthew 18:18-20)

Should we be praying for the believer who hurt us? 

(No gossip, no hurtful chatter...)

Immediately following this is Peter's question

about how many times we are to forgive.

(Seventy times seven is Jesus' answer.)

Jesus rounds out His answer by telling the Kingdom story

about forgiveness. What happens to the servant who

was forgive much who refuses to forgive in return?

Forgive, for we have been forgiven all.

"The king summoned the man and said, 'You evil servant!

I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy.

Shouldn't you be compelled to be merciful to

your fellow servant who asked for mercy?"

 --

Matthew 18:32

Kingdom living does not come from ourselves.

Forgiveness is not always easy and is not always what we want to do.

It at times is an act of sheer obedience.

•

Work hard to show the results of your salvation,

obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire

and the power to do what pleases him.

--

Philippians 2:12-13 NLT

•

Be honest before the Lord.

Pour out your heart to Him.

Ask Him to give you the desire and the power to forgive.

He wants us to follow Him, rely on Him, take the yoke He gives us to bear.

He will not leave us alone, to do His way on our own.

He who has forgiven much will help us to forgive as well.