Stay on Track! Paul's Letter to the GalatiansSample

Paul is concerned for the well-being of the Galatians

“My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! ... I am perplexed about you.” (Galatians 4:19-20)

Paul goes to great lengths to convince his readers of the correct view of law and grace. This is not an abstract discussion for him. He is not concerned with being right. No, he is concerned about the spiritual well-being of the Galatians. He would like them to “become more completely like Christ” (Galatians 4:19 in the Easy English Bible). Their lives must reflect Him and they must grow in their faith. But that won't happen if they allow themselves to be deceived by false teachings. That's why Paul is “perplexed” about them, in other words, Paul is saying “I am seriously concerned about you.” He is in pain over them, like a mother giving birth, until the Galatians will reflect Christ (see Galatians 4:19 in the Easy-to-Read Version).

Also, in other letters of Paul we read about his involvement with believers in different places. Some he knew personally, others only indirectly. But always when he heard about people coming to faith or growing in grace, he experienced intense joy. And reports of deception, relapse into sin or other spiritual decay touched him deeply. Whenever he had the opportunity, he would travel to visit these people, write them letters, and prayerfully bring their situation to the Lord.

Is there someone who cares about your spiritual well-being and reprimands you when necessary? Are you also concerned about fellow believers?