A Compelling Truth: A 30 Day Journey through Galatians with Rob StanmoreSample

DAY 23

How does living by freedom in this grace now affect my relationships?

The reality is that our relationship with God is a vertical relationship, which has an impact on our horizontal relationships.

When Paul says he wants us to keep in step with the Spirit, he is also showing us how this will transform our relationships.

The book of Galatians was originally written in the Greek language. If we look a bit closer, we can see deeper shades of meaning. When Paul uses the word “conceit”, “kenodoxoi” in Greek, it can be translated as “empty of honour”.

Conceit can reveal itself in the absence of honour in our relationships, and if we are conceited, then we are “provoking or envying each other” (v26).

Conceit, when seen as provoking, is looking down at others through feeling superior.

Conceit, when seen as envying, is looking up at others, through feeling inferior.

Both these expressions of conceit attempt to find worth in other’s approval and in our own pride.

Paul writes in Galatians 5:14, "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

When we choose to live by grace it transforms our relationships to honour and love those around us. 

Question

How does honour change your relationships?