Following Jesus When You Doubtنموونە

Devotion

When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home, friends and family had gathered to mourn Jairus’ daughter. Jesus asked, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep” (Mark 5:29). The mourners responded by laughing at him. Jesus responded by putting them out. The Greek word used here is ekballo, which means to cast out or drive out.

Jesus didn’t need their scoffing as he performed his miracle . . . and neither do we. We don’t need to surround ourselves with people who scoff at our faith, at us, or at our hopes. You’ve probably been in groups like this before. It can affect your faith in God and in yourself. But the opposite is also true. When you’re surrounded by people who have faith in God and have faith in you, you then have faith in yourself. You feel uplifted and encouraged.

Jesus surrounded himself with all kinds of people—fishermen, the poor, the sick, the doubters. But he didn’t surround himself with those who laughed at him, doubted him, or had no faith in him. In the same way, who we spend our time with matters.

This doesn’t mean we must always be surrounded by perfect people (which isn’t possible) or that we must always be surrounded by other Christians (which would be counter to Christ’s teaching and actions). But it does mean that we pay attention our environment. Is it supportive? Is it encouraging? Does this group of people encourage you to grow in your faith? If the answer to these questions is no, then it’s time to surround ourselves with people who will.

Reflect

1.The church in Galatia was struggling with the tension of being Jews who followed the law and now being Christians who followed Jesus. A group of teachers (known as the “Judaizers”) were preaching that followers of Christ still needed to be circumcised and also follow the Hebrew law. Paul’s goal in this letter was to put this argument to rest, remind the church of how they were to treat each other, and emphasize they no longer had to follow the law to receive grace. Instead, the grace they already received from Christ would produce the fruit needed to build a loving and secure community. How does Paul sum up the most important “law” for believers to keep (see verses 13–15)?

2.Paul makes a sharp contrast between the “acts of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit” (see verses 19–23). What are some of the traits of the acts of the flesh? What are some of the traits of the fruits of the Spirit? How are these fruits developed?

3.When you look at your circle of friends and relationships, what kind of people are you surrounded by? How do you treat each other? How do these people affect you?

4.What fruit do you see in your church or community, if any? Would you like your community to produce more fruit? If so, what kind?

Pray

Be honest with God about how the people you are surrounding yourself with are impacting your life. Thank him for a strong community that encourages you, or ask him to bring you an encouraging and supportive community to help you grow closer to Christ.