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What Does This Mean?
In Galatians 5:20, Paul lists various behaviors that are harmful and contrary to the spirit of Christ. This list includes actions like worshiping false gods, practicing magic, hating others, being jealous, and causing division among believers.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a garden where you grow beautiful flowers. Now, if someone came and planted weeds in your garden, those weeds would choke the good plants and make the garden ugly. In this verse, Paul is saying that these bad actions are like weeds that ruin our spiritual garden.
Historical Background
Paul wrote Galatians around AD 49 to Christians in Galatia who were being pressured to follow Jewish customs to be considered full members of the Christian community. He was addressing a group divided by false teachings and emphasizing true faith over adherence to law.
Living It Out Today
In modern workplaces, someone might create division among colleagues through gossip or jealousy instead of fostering unity. This verse reminds us that such actions are harmful and counterproductive in building healthy communities.
Paul included witchcraft because it was considered a form of idolatry and sought power through means other than God, leading to spiritual confusion among believers.
How does hatred affect the community mentioned by Paul?
Hatred disrupts harmony within communities and leads to division, making it difficult for the group to function cohesively as a unified body of believers.
What are heresies in this context?
Heresies refer to false teachings that can lead people astray from true Christian doctrine. Paul warns against these because they threaten the unity and purity of faith among believers.
How does variance differ from strife according to this verse?
Variance involves disagreements over minor issues, while strife is more about intense conflict or struggle within a community, often leading to deeper divisions.