Read: Galatians 5:16-25
In today’s reading from Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul sets out the contrasts between life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. He argues that those who have fully accepted life in Christ are in a different world from those who have not. In referring to the ‘sins of the flesh’, Paul includes immoral sex, idolatry, and drunkenness, alongside things like hatred, discord, envy, and factions.
Looking back on my upbringing, I realise that preparation for life focused on avoiding the major things while remaining silent about the difficult dilemmas we encounter in our everyday reactions. In conversation with some friends recently, we were reminded of the emotional turmoil that accompanies relationship breakdown, separation, and decisions about possessions as well as children.
I asked whether it is possible to take a balanced view of both sides of the argument as a parent caught in the crossfire and was assured that it is difficult. Our nature often makes us side with our children. No doubt, someone reading this will have a different experience, as there are no right answers when emotions run high.
An important point seems to be that when emotions are in turmoil and instinctive reactions take over, as Christians, do we choose the path that resolves conflict and seeks reconciliation, or do we boil over and become partisan, closing ranks with friends, family, and loved ones? This can be extended as a reflection on our reactions to all sorts of things, including the causes we support.
Life in the Spirit with Christ may restrain some of our emotions, but these are replaced by the joy of knowing we are loved by God and by experiencing the peace and calm that the Spirit brings.
A prayer
Lord Jesus, during your life on earth, there were times when you reacted differently to those around you; you taught your disciples about calmness and perseverance. We confess that there are often times when prevailing circumstances make us want to overreact or lash out. We take sides without proper consideration of all perspectives. In such times, come close to us and breathe your peace into our hearts, for your own love’s sake. Amen.