Have you ever tried to save someone from disaster - a friend in an unhealthy relationship, or someone playing with fire. The danger was obvious but the person involved was completely blind. This served only to heighten the sense of passion you felt to turn that person away from impending disaster. The apostle Paul was involved in a situation with the church in Galatia that had potential for disaster. The Galatian had responded to Paul's spiritual teaching and were enjoying new found acceptance by God. Christ had redeemed them from having to serve the Jewish religious law, but legalist troublemakers were persuading new believers to keep Jewish rules and festivals in order to be worthy before God. Paul could have given up on them, but instead wrote his letter and pleaded with them to not give up their spiritual freedom. Sometimes if our counsel is rejected, we take it personally and reject people. This is the mentality of living under law - conditional acceptance. It is saying, 'only if you do this, will you be accepted'. A free person is able to distinguish the difference between identity and behaviour. Even though there is disagreement, the person is not rejected. Paul was not some uninvolved bystander; he was emotionally committed to his flock. He had a deep and sacrificial love for the Galatians. What a contrast to those religious leaders who seek to dominate and regulate their church members.
