Contemplative Bible Reading

Galatians 6:1 (New Living Translation)

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

I’ve mentioned this before, as a child one of the most influential works that was read to me was The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come by John Bunyan (1678).

There were choices to make. Walk on this path or walk on that path. I have since understood the life of a Christian in those terms. Jesus walked on a path. Evil walked on another path. Which path should I walk? It is far more complex than that, but often it is that simple. Sometimes I am on the same path as Jesus, but am lagging far behind. Sometimes I am not so far behind Jesus. It is far more complex than that, but often it is that simple.

Here we have words written by Paul to the churches in Galatia. Paul instructs them in this theology of the path. If someone is overcome by sin, help them back onto the path that Jesus walks. There is no bashing or smashing. Gently and humbly help them back onto the path that Jesus walks.

It is pretty simple. Why do I bash and smash so much? God, please help me in my unbelief.