"Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself." Galatians 6:1
Have you ever tried to hold someone accountable to have it blown up in your face? We all at some point in our lives have had to be held accountable for our decisions and actions. Often accountability brings either a great outcome or not so great. The reason for the not so great is due to what is called our "defensive mechanism" that lies within us. When confronted we either feel threatened, which in return triggers us to become defensive, or we rejoice for the accountability and help the Lord sent our way.
I went through a time in my life when I had been overcome by an area of sin. As my family would confront me, I would become immediately defensive. I would lash out in anger, I felt hurt, misunderstood, and alone. I was self-absorbed! It wasn't until I hit rock bottom and had the wool over my eyes removed, that I realized my family was trying to help. They were not out to get me, but out to get me on the right path. The feeling I felt inside triggering my defensive mechanism was really the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I knew what I was doing was wrong.
You have no idea how I praise Jesus for a family that did the very thing Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1. It was because of their love for the Lord and their persistence to get me on the right path that I overcame that sin! Do you have someone holding you accountable?
You and I need to start listening to the Holy Spirit, taking a step back, and allowing Him to work within us. We need to be thankful for those brothers and sisters that hold us accountable. Isn't that what the Word of God does? How are you reacting to Jesus as you read His word? How are you reacting when being held accountable? Are you lashing out in anger? Are you shutting yourself off and continuing to allow that sin to overcome you? Are you turning your back on those trying to help you?
You and I are one body and if one part of our body is overcome with sin, isn't it our job to go and help that body part get back on the right path? Yes, and that is exactly what Paul is telling us in Galatians 6:1 to do.
It takes self-control, prayer, and walking with Jesus. We will always need accountability until Jesus takes us home, so let’s try to step back, listen to the Holy Spirit at work within us, and be thankful for the love our brothers and sisters have for us.
Prayer: Jesus help us to listen to the conviction’s of the Spirit. Thank you for placing brothers and sisters in our lives that do desire to keep us on Your path. Amen
