Beware of Biting and Devouring
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Galatians 5:15
If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Devotional
Paul uses vivid imagery to describe what happens when selfishness rules: communities turn on one another like wild animals. Instead of love, there is hostility; instead of building up, there is tearing down. The tragic result is mutual destruction.
This is the danger of misusing freedom. When liberty is twisted into license, relationships suffer. Even within the church, we can be tempted to compete, criticise, or consume one another through words, attitudes, or actions.
The way of the flesh is always divisive, but the way of the Spirit is unifying. God calls us not to devour each other but to delight in one another, serving in humility and love. If we are not careful, our freedom can undo our fellowship. But if we walk in the Spirit, our fellowship can showcase the freedom of Christ.
Question to consider
Are there relationships in your life where you are tempted to “bite and devour”? How might the Spirit lead you toward love instead?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I have torn others down. Guard my words and actions so that I build up instead of destroy. Teach me to walk in the way of love.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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