Day 114 – The New Creation

Today’s reading: Gal 6

Today we read the last chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Having told them every way possible why returning to the oppression of the Mosaic Law is a mistake; Paul takes the last part of his letter to remind them of what faithful Christians should do.

Paul tells them to with gentleness correct the brothers that transgress. Of interest, he says, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” This suggests that those who are the teachers of faith should be supported by the community so that they may devote themselves more fully to the spreading of the word.

It is also from this section that the famous phrase, “you reap what you so” is derived. Paul says,

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Notice, Paul has no problem in tying what we are to reap with our efforts of doing good works.

Finally, Paul says one last time that through the cross the old divisions (between circumcision and uncircumcision) have passed away. What exists now is a “new creation”. Peace comes to those who walk by this rule, who live by the understanding that Christians are now “the Israel of God”. This is an important insight into the mind of Paul and we will see him elaborate on these themes later.

Tomorrow: Jas 1