Life's Summary

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Galatians 6:1‭-‬3 MSG

In today's extract lie life's summary, how I can live it within the boundaries of God's Word, & my relationship with other people. Offence is a part of human relationships. We step on each other's toes, offend each other, yet there is no replacement to human connections. Sin too is a part of the human experience, and it will be foolishness for any man to think he can master sin by his own power. What then is required of me? Firstly, I learn that since I am human, I must leave room for offence and forgiveness. I remember that the reason why I stand where I am is because I was also forgiven. If God has extended this grace to me, it is only fitting that I also extend this grace to other people.

Secondly, there is no room for criticism without humanity. We look down on some sins and feel that the people committing them are worse than other sinners. Unfortunately, with God, all sins, irrespective of 'gravity' have the same consequence: Death. My heart must remain humble enough to realise that I stand all by grace, nothing else.

Thirdly, wherever I am has nothing to do with ability, capacity or capability. Natural man is tempted to ascribe his position in life to something within himself. The truth is all I could ever be is tied to grace, so I must learn to stoop down and help others. Christ stooped down too to help me, and if indeed I follow Christ, then I must live and love like him.

Fourthly, I am asked to share other people's burdens. All around me are needs. I cannot answer all, but all that God has deposited in me is an answer to a particular issue. If I hide it, I do myself and that issue no good. It wasn't given for my self-glory, but for the good of the person whose life needs that answer.

If at any time I feel I am too good for the lessons above, I am only deceiving myself. I will give an account of all God has deposited in me, so I had better live right today. His time of favour is here.