What is the meaning of Galatians 5:15? But if you keep on biting • Paul paints a vivid picture of believers acting like wild animals, using their words and attitudes as teeth. Galatians 5:13 reminds us that we were “called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.” • James 3:14-16 shows the same danger: “If you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth…where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice”. • The point is simple: unchecked irritability, cutting remarks, and gossip are not minor lapses—they are fleshly attacks that wound the body of Christ. and devouring one another • “Devouring” takes the image further. Persistent strife doesn’t merely nip; it swallows relationships whole. • Proverbs 18:21 warns, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • In 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul links jealousy and strife with carnality, proving that such behavior is entirely out of step with the Spirit’s work. • When believers compete instead of cooperate, the energy meant for gospel advance is eaten up by internal damage control. watch out • This phrase is a flashing warning light. Paul calls each believer to vigilance—sinful conflict can feel justified in the moment, but it quickly spirals. • Hebrews 12:15 urges, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.” • 1 Peter 5:8 applies the same alert stance toward the devil; here, the threat is internal. Either way, spiritual alertness is essential. or you will be consumed by one another • The tragic consequence: the church family eats itself alive. Division, lawsuits, splinter groups, and cold shoulders leave believers spiritually malnourished and mission-paralyzed. • Romans 14:15 cautions, “If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.” The stakes are high: real harm to real people. • Jesus gave a positive contrast in John 13:35—“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” Mutual destruction is the exact opposite of our calling. summary Galatians 5:15 is a sober reminder that unchecked conflict among believers acts like predatory behavior, progressing from biting to total consumption. Paul’s cure is to abandon fleshly rivalry and instead “serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13-14). Guard your words, motives, and attitudes; watch carefully for bitterness; choose love that builds up rather than strife that tears down. |
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