GALATIANS 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

TO PONDER

I wonder if this verse sounds a bit surprising to you as it did to me. Aren't we told in various places throughout scripture that loving those who are our friends and family is nothing special; that even the pagans do that? Why then, the sudden change in tone, be and do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.

In the Roman society at the time of Paul and the apostles, it was rare for people to show much of any kind of concern for anyone outside of their immediate household. Now Paul is not telling the Galatians not to show care and hospitality to strangers, he does ask the to do good to all people after all. However, the paradigm that care and support and loving acceptance could be found outside of your own immediate family was a novel idea at the time and it bore great witness to the message of the gospel, when gospel people demonstrated care, and compassion toward one another. That kind of relationship with people outside of your own family and very close friends was simply unheard of.

Fast forward some two thousand years, and here we are in twenty first century Australia. Statistics report that the traditional family structure of a mum and dad with a couple of kids all living together is becoming an increasingly rare thing. Marriages and families are experiencing more domestic violence than ever before, and our community at large seems to be growing increasingly aggressive and tribal, even within certain tribal groups.

What a different picture of family and community we can bring by being a family of believers that actually goes out of their way to love and do good to one another. I don't think that it is unrealistic to say that the way people within the family of believers have treated one another in the past, or even at present, has done much to damage our witness to the gospel message of Jesus. Perhaps if we actually showed a radical kind of love and goodness to one another, the rest of the world might start listening to us and the message of Jesus again?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Forgive me for the times I fail to see others the way you do. Help me to love all people with your love. I pray today also for my church family, that we may also grow in showing your love to one another and that by this, you may draw even more people into your family of believers. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle