The Spiritual Work

When I fail in my relationship with God, He forgives and restores.

So, why is it when others fail in their relationship with me, I feel I can behave any other way?

Daily I fail Him.

I fall away from making Christ my priority. I “cheat” as it were, when it comes to keeping myself away from worldly lusts and fascinations. I spend most of my Christian life distracted by the world and what’s going on in my every day life. Then there are times when I slip and fall, tripping in the sin that I entertain and find myself far away from Him! But all the while, a wonderful, loving Savior waits for me to turn my heart back to Him. No sooner than I do, and He forgives me, restores our sweet fellowship and I feel so cherished and loved.

And yet, what if someone else is drawn away from me for whatever the reason… or if I have been betrayed???Whether it be a friend, a family member, or even more upsetting… my spouse??? I am so hurt and feel so vindicated in retaliatory behavior. I wish to treat with like-kind. My desire is to make them feel the way I feel… even if what I feel is faulty or misguided. Do I think I’m more important than God??? That they should know better than to disappoint me??? How dare they!

Human nature is always self-centered in this way. Thats why the Bible says in Galatians 6:1, that it takes a spiritual man (or woman) to restore someone. It’s not a natural response but it’s a godly attribute of a person who wants to please our Heavenly Father. Our marriages first and foremost should mirror the beauty of a spiritual relationship Christ has with the church. To set our “self” aside and love a fellow Christian and continue living in the right fellowship and relationship with that individual??? Well, that is exemplary of an inward fellowship and relationship we have with our Lord!

“… ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in spirit of meekness…” Galatians 6:1