In a Spirit of Gentleness

Psalm 106:1-18 • Psalm 106:19-48
Zech. 10:1-12 • Gal. 6:1-10 • Luke 18:15-30

The readings for my Morning Reflection on June 12 also included this passage from Galatians, so I was thinking I should write about one of the other readings for today – but I kept coming back to the opening words of Galations Chapter 6:

My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

After such a tumultuous election season, it is tempting to point fingers and call out those on the opposing side as being wrong – or worse – but the words that stand out to me in this passage are “restore” and “gentleness.”  That is how healing begins.

Our world has been divided in so many ways, both politically and by the pandemic that separates us from those we love.  A spirit of gentleness seems to be what we all need to get through this and to move forward.  In my previous reflection I focused on the message in verse 9:  so let us not grow weary in doing was is right… as it seemed applicable to the disillusionment many of us felt last summer, when the reality of “the long haul” of this virus was becoming clear.

Now my heart and mind are directed to the following verse: So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all…  It is time for us to come together as a nation and as a world, to build bridges, not walls. To work for the good of all and to bear one another’s burdens is how we will fulfill the law of Christ – loving one another - our neighbors, as ourselves.

Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell

…who is hopeful that we will see restoration and healing in the days and weeks to come.