August 8

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. — Gal 2:20 BSB

The true Christian life is a re-creation of Christ. That’s how Paul describes it at the end of this chapter. He had been crucified with Christ. Yet he wasn’t dead—he was living, but it was Christ living in him. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

Imagine a house where the former owner has passed away, and a new person has moved in with different habits and tastes. The whole place changes. Roughness, bitterness, and selfishness are replaced by refinement, sweetness, and love.

Inside the house, there is peace, joy, and affection. Outside, the garden blooms with flowers.

This is what happens when Christ moves into a person’s life. The old life gives way to the new, and everything becomes beautiful.