August 12, 2022 - Galatians 2:12-13

“When he first arrived, he [Peter] ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.” Galatians 2:12-13 NLT

Lord, we don’t want to be quick to judge Peter in this passage. Probably more times than we even have realized, we have changed our behavior to fit in with the people we are around. Sometimes this is good, as Paul also teaches us to be all things to all people. But it is the heart behind the change of behavior that is the problem. Are we changing our behavior out of love to serve others and be able to spread your name more unhindered? Or is our behavior changed because we are ashamed of what we are doing? Do we fear others judgement or rejection? Do we think that our status with them will go down? I believe that was likely the issue for Peter. He was a leader among the Jewish believers, but instead of leading how the Jewish believers should act towards the Gentiles, he feared their reactions.

Lord, you can truly see our hearts. What are the motives that are not pleasing to you behind our actions? Open our eyes to them. We don’t want to be ashamed of you or the calling you have placed on our lives. If our actions go against popular cultural beliefs, give us wisdom on how to walk that out in a way that will encourage others to follow and not push them away. If what you are asking of us even goes against the opinions of other Christians, and we have confirmed that what you are asking of us is Biblical and from you, help us know how to walk in it confidently. Help us overcome any fear that would hold us back and walk unashamed.

In Jesus name, amen.