Newscasters on the radio and television open their presentation by declaring what they call the main points of the news. When they are through and are about to leave the studio, the broadcaster refers us to a recap of the highlights. It is the traditional style that helps listeners and viewers retain the main gist of the news. However, it is not often easy for the newsroom staff to sift through the stories to select items that qualify for the most prominent mention.

Today’s writers would have much more difficulty telling the world the main points of the epistle to the Galatians, because every inspired line yearns for attention. But one thing cannot be overlooked: Apostle Paul’s determination not to rest until “Christ be formed” in the Galatians. The Apostle had taught them that, having embraced salvation through faith in Christ, they were no longer to be controlled by the doctrines of Judaism that gave no hope for Gentiles like the Galatians. So, Paul was troubled to learn that his converts were falling for false teachings that did not proclaim Christ’s finished work as the solution to the problem of sin. He said he would not give up on them; he would go through again with his parental care and tenderness for them till they were completely weaned.

That is the mind of Christ that all evangelists should cultivate. The Lord crisscrossed land and sea, teaching the people the new way of freedom from the bondage of sin. He nursed all, beginning with His disciples, with divine love which He wants His followers to show to the unbelieving world. They may be slow to understand our message; they may even seem to be relapsing into old habits. We may find them with toxic literature, spurring them to ask strange questions. The Lord expects us to exercise patience and prayerfulness while trusting God to touch them.

We cannot win the unsaved completely for Christ by strong-arm tactics. We cannot restore those who have backslidden by being impatient with them. Since it is a spiritual warfare, we must fortify ourselves with the strength of the Lord, who has sent us into the battlefield. We need to remember: no one goes to war at their own expense.