Date: Wednesday, April 1st 
Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2
“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.”
By: David Arnold, retired clergy, United Methodist Church
When I see someone acting in ways that aren’t loving it’s hard not to speak out against them. I fight with myself all the time about whether to come out publicly against whatever it is, or whether to simply mutter about it with close, like-minded friends. Muttering is usually the easiest choice. Friends who agree with me will mutter too and we will all feel reinforced in our beliefs and all feel a little smug and self righteous too. After all, whoever the offender was and whatever they did, they shouldn’t have done it and are surely deserving of our judgement and condemnation. It’s particularly easy in these contentious times to rear-up on my high horse and verbally strike the offender, even if I couch my actions by only doing it among trusted friends. But what should I really do? How can I react in a righteous and loving way?
In this scripture we are warned not to be tempted to engage in unloving behavior and so become liable for the very condemnation we are ready to dump on the offender. Instead, we are told to use gentleness in our words and actions, to be careful that we ourselves don’t fall victim to unloving behavior like that we are prepared to condemn in others.
So how am I to bear another’s burdens and conform to the teachings of Christ. Gentleness seems to be the key. Self righteousness and anger will not turn anyone’s heart to our way. But rational, gentle persuasion may at least help them contemplate another understanding. And it also offers an opportunity to me. Calming myself and responding in a loving spirit may turn out to bless me as much or even more than them.
Prayer: Oh Lord, center my heart in you so that I may better reflect your grace today and always. Amen.
Criminal Justice Fact: Over five thousand Pennsylvanians are sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Action: Watch Brandon Matthews explain “The Surprising reason why our criminal justice system doesn’t work”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmvrBGmu9k4&feature=emb_logo
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