Galatians – The Gospel and Community

In the previous section of Galatians, Paul had written about the fruit evidenced in a person’s life that embodies living led by the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is often most clearly demonstrated in how we relate to those around us. In this passage, Paul describes how we should relate to those within the family of believers and others.

Galatians 6:1-10 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,for each one should carry their own load.Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

As Paul talks about doing good to those around us, he does not singularly isolate our relationship with fellow believers but also points us toward thinking on our relationship with God that calls us to be aware and honest with our motives and not just carry out perfunctory acts. And our relationship with ourselves, to be aware of the responsibility that we carry with our intention and choices.

A Grace Led Response

Paul begins by instructing us on how to relate and respond to a fellow believer who is caught in a sin. We are to restore that person gently. Keep in mind the backdrop with which he writes this, holding onto the Law left no room for grace, but instead the dangers of instilling guilt and taking pride would be more prevalent. So, as Paul talks about restoring someone gently, it is a call to respond as Christ would want us to, remembering how much we have been forgiven. And it also points us to Luke 6:31 Treat others just as you want to be treated. How would you feel if you are caught in a sin, would you like to be judged, ignored, excluded or extended grace and helped with gentleness.

But with the call to extend grace to another and be alongside them in their struggle, Paul cautions us to be mindful not to fall into sin ourselves – it is a reminder that we are subject to the same weaknesses, that it is only by the grace of God we stand firm. It is a reminder to not sin by judging them or thinking we are better than someone else or sin by gossiping about it.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Paul continues to exhort us to carry each other’s burdens. We are all called to minster God’s love to those around us and that includes being His hands and feet and not let our help be defined by words of empty comfort. James 2:15-17 we read, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Whatever is your sphere of influence, be faithful to it and be content with it. And in doing this we fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love God with all that we are and to love our neighbours as ourself.

And in living this out Paul writes that we should not compare but should test our own actions. To always think of what lies in our hearts, the motives behind what we do, so we are not fooled into thinking that our good works that are visible, account for something. And as Paul urges us to be honest with ourselves, he also highlights that we can convince others and at times even ourselves that we are doing everything wonderfully, but God cannot be mocked. God sees the heart of a person and is more concerned about the condition of it. Every outward act should be an overflow of the presence of Christ in us and the transformation that He brings.  

A Choice with where to Sow

Paul continues with establishing the choice we all have, to either sow in the flesh or in the Spirit. The truth of the matter is simple, what we sow in the flesh or in the spirit is reaped accordingly. Scripture teaches us to store treasures in Heaven, that we are to have an eternal mindset and what we do with our time here can be used for fleeting earthly pleasure or for things that matter in the eyes of God and for eternity.

The fruit of what we sow in the spirit is not always received/seen/experienced in the now. So let us not give up, not become weary in doing good, because no act is overlooked by God and no prayer goes unheard. Don’t give up. Be faithful in prayer and in doing good to all people, God sees you.  

Prayer: Father, help us to live out your love and grace, to carry each other’s burdens with love and humility. May we not falter by thinking of ourselves as better than another but always know that it is your strength that enables us to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. May we never forget the grace and forgiveness we receive from you and help us to reflect that to others. Lord, bless us with people around us that help us walk this Christian journey and help us do the same for others too. Amen.

God Bless.