Living in Community - 6

Summarizing our six post study, successful living in community, whether it is comprised of adult child coming back to live or an organized group like the Dominicans, productive confrontation is necessary for maintaining strong relationships leading to purpose, unity and harmony of the Body.

Galatians 6 is our model. Confrontation begins within a Body when the person doing the confronting first faces him(her) self. The humility and gentleness in which the concerns are shared is derived from healthy self-examination that produces repentance and from a desire to help carry the burden of the one confronted. No room for a judgmental spirit in that scenario.

What would have happened to the three women if they had not responded to Fred? Proverbs 13:18 presents the case clearly: Poverty and shame shall be to him who refuses instruction and correction, but he who heeds reproof shall be honored. In our case study “poverty and shame” would be connected to impaired relationships… not just with Fred but people in general.

Fred’s counselor gave him homework. He was encouraged to meditate on and memorize the following significant supportive passages for Galatians 6.

Supportive passages for verse 1:
Romans 12:4-5 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Galatians 5:16, 22-26 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Humility:
Proverbs 22:4 True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. 29:23 Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

Isa. 57:15 The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.

Matthew 28:4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Romans 12:3, 10 Because of the privilege and authority[a] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

1 Peter 5:5 In the same way, …all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”

Supportive passages for Christ’s law of love – verse 2.
Luke 10:27 “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

1 Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Supportive passages for having an exaggerated opinion of oneself – vs. 3.
Romans 12:3, 16 Because of the privilege and authority[a] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[ Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Supportive passages for verses 4 and 5 – taking personal responsibility:
Matt.7:3-5 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye[a] when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

2 Cor.13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you[a]; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

1 Cor.11:28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.

The meditation and memorizing of Scripture leads to successful living and dying.
(Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:8)

An after thought : The Message Bible gives an interesting flavor to the Galatians 6 passage’”
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.
4-5Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.