See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
Summary: This passage gives us an opportunity to lean into God’s Word in a way that helps bring Paul into focus as a human being.
When I read these words of Paul’s, I am prompted to ask this question:
“Why are these words in the Bible?”
Do they tell us anything important? Is there a deep spiritual truth here?
The more I get to know God’s Word, the more I am convinced that God has crafted the Bible in a very specific way. Each word in the Bible is like a single cell of a living body. A single cell, by itself, may not seem significant. Yet, each cell of the body contains the DNA for the whole body.
In the same way, each word of the Bible may seem insignificant on its own. Yet, it is part of the Bible! When we look into the DNA of the word or sentence and examine its context and meaning, we find ourselves looking into the whole of God’s Word.
So, why did God include this verse in the Bible?
Personally, I find insight into Paul himself in these words. I emphasize the word “personally” because when we start “reading in” to God’s Word, we risk reading things that are not there. However, there may be value in sharing what I see here. Just remember to take these words with a grain of salt!
I think God wants us to understand who Paul is. He wants us to know the human side of Paul. It is easy to think that Paul is some kind of “super apostle” because so much of the New Testament is centered around his teachings. If we think this way, Paul becomes distant and cold. His words lose their meaning because Paul is somehow different than us.
In fact, the truth is that Paul is very human, and very much like you or I.
Here is what I “see” in this passage:
First, Paul is getting old. His words tell me that he is becoming infirm. His youth and vigor have left him and he is realizing his mortality. Because of his age, his handwriting has changed. No longer fit and trim, his words take up more of the page. Perhaps his letters look childlike to him.
Secondly, Paul seems to be alone.
I draw this conclusion because Paul is writing to the Galatians in his “own hand.” Oftentimes, he would add a note in his own handwriting to authenticate his letters (2 Thessalonians 3:17). Occasionally, the scribe who was taking dictation and writing the words on paper would make themselves known (Romans 16:22). In this case, it appears that Paul wrote the entire letter on his own even though he has to use “large letters.”
Finally, the reference to writing with “large letters” reminds me of Paul’s illness that affected his eyes. He has already mentioned this story in this letter (Galatians 4:13-15). This weakness of the eyes seems to be a condition that has grown worse over time.
Isolation and chronic illness are both common afflictions of the aged. God didn’t give Paul superhuman strength to spread the Gospel. He gave him superhuman faith. A faith that overcomes the weaknesses of the flesh. The same faith that he gives to us.
Application: If you are feeling alone, know that you are not alone.
Food for Thought: How does the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) help us deal with old age?
How does the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) help us deal with old age?
Because we need all the help we can get! 😉
Love- To be an example to the younger generation. To want to be intentional with the time you have with people.
Joy- To not become the grumpy old man, but someone that inspires. Also, it helps to not feel so weighed down.
Peace- The assurance through faith that God’s got it under control. You can make petitions for what you want and know that he’ll make the best decision.
Patience- To bear aches, pains, irritations, and misunderstandings with forebearance. Leaving the rushed panic of youth behind, but still dealing with the rushing and paniced youth.
Kindness- Knowing the best insults and not using them 😋. Again, being the example to the younger generation of how to treat people, it’s so important to pass on these things. Without lived out examples, people won’t follow.
Goodness- Being that example.
Gentleness- Helps to not come across as harsh and judgemental.
Faithfulness- To God, you will have assurance of faith. To spouse, you will have unparralelled trust and care. To kids, you will be their support and if they learned right, they’ll be yours too. To someone seemingly unconnected to you, you will be the biggest testament to them.
Self-Control- Tied in with patience, knowing all the things you could react with and choosing not to. There is the self control to not act rashly that will diminish your regrets. There is also the self control to do as God prompts you to that will diminish regrets.
Angela,
What a beautifully detailed response to today’s “Food for Thought!” I love how you weave together all the stages of life and tie them up with a bow! Thank you!
Great Job Angela!
How does the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) help us deal with old age?
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Old age is a reality, of this flesh which confines our spirits for a period of time predetermined by God.
Interestingly, I woke this morning with thoughts of how the 80 years of my life today have been a flash. They have passed so quickly and I recalled events back to when I was six. I thought about hoe I have blitzed through much of this life spending more time planning for the future than experiencing the reality of today. and I recalled the faces of many who did not reach “old age”.
Old age has given me time to come to know, receive Jesus as my Lord and my Savior. Time to make decisions regarding eternal rewards and/or consequences as I have made choices. Time to really appreciate our God who has sustained me for what in this physical world is a lifetime. I have tried hard to slow down and truly appreciate everything God has done, and is doing in my life, but at bedtime each evening, to minister to others as He desires, and wonder where did the time go!
I appreciate each day, alert to opportunities to serve while I look forward to the day our Lord will call me home.
Thank you, Ron!
Your comment touches home with me. Time does fly by and being in the moment is hard. Thank you!
Good thoughts Angela and R2T2. So good that I really don’t have anything to add. Just as I am getting older I see the benefit of the fruit of the Spirit more clearly. Maybe as we get older we more naturally realize our dependence upon the Lord?
Hmmm…
You’re never too old to add your thoughts here, Rich. 🙂
Our perspective on life certainly changes as we get older. Maybe it is our proximity to death that encourages us to think about our need for Jesus?
How does the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) help us deal with old age?
I’m not sure what you’d consider old age. Everyone here is still young…. ….. …. compared to Methuselah. Keep on doing great work for the Lord everyone as you have been doing .
Angela… great job. I love you ( I love you to Angela . Great job to Jeff also ) .
Thanks Tim!
I feel much younger!!
😂😁