It Starts Small

¹⁵ Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth? ¹⁷ They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them. ¹⁸ But it is always good to be pursued in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you. ²⁰ I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.

Galatians 4:15-20

you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me,

What changed? Oh, how often our relationships can quietly unravel, much like the bond that once flourished between Paul and the Galatians! This is not a sudden rupture; it unfolds slowly, piece by piece, often without us even realizing it. Why does this happen? How can we ardently guard against this treacherous slide into disunity?

³ making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3

Unity is a precious treasure that can easily slip through our fingers if we aren’t vigilant. We must pour our hearts into nurturing it. It holds profound significance in marriage. It is vital within the church. It also plays a fundamental role in every relationship we cherish. The essence of unity lies in each individual’s heartfelt commitment to following Christ with fervor. The Galatians faltered in their devotion to Him and this led to a painful rift with Paul. Similarly, we can lose the vital connections with our fellow believers. To foster this sacred unity, we must plant ourselves firmly in Christ. As we draw closer to Him, our bonds with one another will tighten. This creates a powerful fellowship that reflects His love.

have I become your enemy

We should never seek to become adversaries to others. Yet, sometimes speaking the truth may label us as their enemies in their eyes. In such moments, we must embrace our responsibilities with unwavering commitment. We must know that we are accountable to God for our actions. Let us maintain a clear conscience. Stand firm in the knowledge that we are blameless if those relationships falter. We should remember that those who view us as foes have their own responsibility. They are accountable for their choices before God. They are equally accountable. We are answerable for our deeds, not for the actions of others.

¹⁸ But it is always good to be pursued in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. 

Galatians 4:18

Paul reached out to the Galatians with an admirable fervor, driven by sincere, heartfelt intentions. Tragically, the false teachers lacked that same depth of honesty. Instead, they seized upon Paul’s absence, approaching the Galatians in a cunning and deceitful manner. We mustn’t resort to manipulative tactics or insidious tricks to convey the truth! It’s unacceptable to invite someone to a joyous gathering only to ambush them with a lengthy, 3-hour Bible lecture! If you’re truly committed to sharing the gospel, be upfront about it. Remember, no one will ever be drawn to Christ through deception!

My children

Paul wholeheartedly embraced his role as a father to the Galatians. He viewed them not merely as strangers or even friends. He considered them his beloved children. His love for them burned deeply. It fueled a fierce sense of responsibility. Seeing them stray down the wrong path was simply unbearable for him. As you walk in Paul’s footsteps as a disciple-maker, you will undoubtedly share in this profound experience. You, too, will cultivate a vibrant family of spiritual children, nurturing, teaching, and shepherding them with all your heart. When they thrive, your heart will sing with joy, but when they falter, anguish will grip your soul. This intimate bond will compel you to pray fervently and implore them to remain steadfast on the righteous path.

 I am again suffering labor pains

Discipling others is a profound and rewarding journey, but it demands hard work. Understand this from the outset to empower yourself mentally. This fuels your passion and resilience when you encounter challenges along the way. Embrace the difficulty, for it is in these struggles that deep connections and personal growth flourish!

How can you dedicate yourself to the mission of making disciples this week? What burning desire is God instilling in you to reinvigorate your efforts for His glorious kingdom? Take a moment to write down one powerful way you can commit to working for God’s kingdom this week.

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Cross References:

• Philippians 2:3-4
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
• Matthew 23:37
• 1 John 2:1, 18, 28; 3:7, 18

Questions to Ponder:

• What had changed from Paul’s first contact with them?
• What does verse 15 tell us about the depth of their love for Paul?
• How or why do you think the Galatians’ attitude toward Paul had changed?
• How did Paul feel when he was writing to them now?
• Who does the “they” and “them” in verse 17 refer to?
• What were their motivations? What kind of methods did they use?
• What kind of methods should we use in sharing the gospel?
• What does verse 18 mean?
• Was Paul simply jealous of people going to share with the Galatians when he was not there?
• Why might Paul use the term “in labor” in reference to his relationship with the Galatians?
• What does this teach us about the hard work it is to disciple others?

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