February 24 I Monday

Numbers 7-8

Mark 4:21-41

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”  —Galatians 6:1

What do we do when we see someone doing something that we know is wrong? Do we take it to our social media page or gossip about it with our friends? Paul’s response when he noticed Peter doing something wrong is commendable. Paul did not go to other believers, gossiping and talking about what Peter was doing or saying things such as, “Can you believe what he is doing? Can you believe the hypocrisy? The brother is a false teacher!” Rather, Paul goes to Peter and addresses the issue face to face.

Paul tells us, “When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned….When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all…” (Galatians 2:11, 14). Paul’s confrontation of Peter’s behaviour was direct, which is something we need more of in our day and age because often
times, we see on social media pages of people calling one another out very publicly. This makes one wonder, “Did they actually talk to the person that they have opposition with? Did they try to work through the misconceptions or questions that they have?”

Paul confronted Peter honestly with the reality that Peter’s life and actions are not lining up with the gospel. He reminded Peter, “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:15-16). From these
verses, Paul repeated “faith in Christ” three times to emphasize to Peter that a person is not justified by the law but by faith in Christ.

Whether Jew or Gentile, Christ’s death on the cross atoned for every sin. The only thing that could save us is our faith in and our relationship with Christ, as we acknowledge the reality of what He has done for us. Peter needed to remember the peace he has with God is not because of his own holiness but because of Jesus––because of His grace.

If we catch a brother or sister walking in a way contrary to God’s teachings, like Paul’s confrontation, would our approach be to gently confront them face to face with biblical truth rather than hiding behind our social media posts or gossiping about it.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask that You help me not to hide behind social media posts or gossip when I see a fault in a brother or sister but give me the boldness, humility and gentleness to approach them face to face. Thank You, Lord.