“But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14)
Notice that there is no criticism for living one way or the other, only that Peter was trying to make one group conform to the other. In the history of the church many have lost the understanding of the freedom we have in Christ and condemn others who do not live to their standards. Have we not already learned that the faith is about being saved and not just about living up to standards?
Lord, Your law is good, but we fail to live up to it. Guide me, O Lord, that I would not judge others as I have often been judged. Guide me away from the old tricks the devil uses to see the truth of the freedom I have and respect the practice of the freedom others have. Let me be consistent in how I live, but not demand that others conform to my way of living or thinking.
Lord Jesus, I need to be saved. Save me. Save me from the constant temptation to either seek to mold others in my image, or to hate because others are judging me. Grant me the liberty You give by grace and the freedom that come in living in, through, and for You alone. Through all the things that come my way may I live into the life You have given me through grace. Amen.
