To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2gNC7enYMUw
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to our final week in our series on the topic of shame. Over the past four weeks, we have explored various strategies and biblical perspectives to effectively confront and overcome the weight of shame. In this final week, we will delve deeper into the teachings of Paul in Galatians 6:1-5, bringing a powerful and meaningful conclusion to our series.
Galatians 6:1-5 which says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.”
In verse 1, Paul, the author of the letter to the Galatians, urges the readers to restore a sinning member of the community in a spirit of gentleness. He encourages them to be mindful of their own faults and not to be too quick to judge others.
In verse 2, Paul instructs the readers to "bear one another's burdens" and fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love one another. This means that they should support and help one another when they are struggling with shame or any other issue.
In verse 3, Paul notes that if anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. This serves as a reminder that no one is perfect and that humility and self-awareness are important in addressing shame.
In verse 4, Paul states that each person should test their own actions and then they will have no cause to boast about themselves, but only about the Lord. This means that instead of focusing on others' faults or feelings of shame, one should focus on their own actions and how they can improve.
In verse 5, Paul concludes by saying that each person should carry their own load and not put the burden on others. This is a reminder that each individual is responsible for their own actions and should not try to shift the blame or responsibility onto others.
Overall, the passage encourages the readers to address and overcome shame in a way that is gentle, loving, and self-aware, and to support one another in doing the same.
Tim and Kimberly express that when we are dealing with people who have shame in their lives, the end goal should be restoration, not simply correction. Correction without restoration can lead to a person feeling even more shame and inadequacy. Instead, the focus should be on helping the person understand and overcome their feelings of shame, and rebuilding their sense of self-worth and confidence. This approach not only addresses the problem at hand, but also promotes long-term healing and growth for the individual.
Check back in next week as we start a new series on understanding the will of God in our lives.
