12I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. 13As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
You see Paul’s heart in this passage. The Galatian believers have departed from the simplicity of the gospel. They received Jesus Christ in humility and faith but then slowly drifted into self-righteous, legalistic Christianity. Paul is grieved in his heart. The relationship he had once had with the Galatian believers has been strained…not because of personal issues but because of their change in focus, belief, and practice.
I can think in my own life of times that fellowship with another believer was strained over similar differences. Additional beliefs and legalistic practices were added to the simplicity of the gospel. Baptism, speaking in tongues, Bible versions, observance of holidays, music preferences, evangelism styles, etc. All of these things can be elevated to the level of essential doctrine. Soon the cross is lost in a myriad of new regulations, rituals, and requirements. And the beauty of fellowship is turned into a bone of contention.
There is a key phrase that pops out to me in Paul’s words. What has happened to all your joy? That about sums it up. When the joy of our salvation is gone, then something is out of whack. When I start walking around with a sour attitude, a critical spirit, and complaining words, then I can be sure of one thing…I am not walking in the Spirit. I need to stop and check my focus. I need to ask what has replaced God’s grace and the cross of Christ in my life. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14)!
As someone once said, “We need to preach the gospel to ourselves every day.” I am a sinner. I fall short. I have no room for pride or arrogance. I am saved by grace. I am reconciled through the cross of Christ. I am a child of God through the mercy of God. I can do nothing apart from His strength, His Spirit. I am called to bless others (1 Peter 3:9). And I am an ambassador of good news, telling others in love how they can be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20). That is the simplicity of the gospel.
Lord, fill me with Your Spirit this morning. Correct any critical spirit or negative attitude in me. Deliver me from self-righteousness. Remind me of the beauty of grace. Open my mouth to praise You today. Give me Your joy.
