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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is benefit that outweigh the risks. If someone says “the benefits outweigh the risks,” they mean that what can be gained is much more significant than what might be lost or risked. Paul was greatly concerned about the deviation of some of the Galatian Christians from the Gospel of Christ to a different form of teaching from some Jewish Christians who believed that salvation is incomplete unless one still holds on the Mosaic law precisely circumcision. They are of the view that the Gentiles must be circumcised before they can become wholly accepted as children of God. However Paul had taught the Galatian who were gentiles that all they needed to be saved is repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, circumcision was not needed as a prove of their salvation. Paul admonishes the Galatians against risking their faith if they become zealous in following the false teachings of the Jewish Christian teachers. He urged them to be zealous for the Gospel, the benefits in accepting and living by the Gospel outweigh the risks of not following the false teaching of salvation through legalism (the law) which was propagated by some Jewish Christians. “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you…” (Galatians 4:16-17). In other words, it is better to be zealous about what is of benefit to you than to be zealous about that which is alluring but dangerous and may lead you to destruction. The benefits of pursuing the truth or the Gospel at the long run, outweigh the risks of living by false teachings which do not lead to our salvation no matter how good they seem or how well they are packaged for our pleasure. Let us beware of false teaching, for the benefits of holding on to our salvation in Christ outweigh the risks of following false teachings which will lead us into deception thereby making us lose our salvation. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, grant us the gift of discernment and wisdom to always live by the teachings of Christ and overcome deceptive teachings that will lead us astray from our salvation. Amen