Scripture Reading(s)
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
6:1 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.
6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
6:3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.
6:4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride.
6:5 For all must carry their own loads.
6:6 Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.
6:7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
6:8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
6:9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up.
6:10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
6:11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand!
6:12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised–only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
6:13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh.
6:14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!
6:16 As for those who will follow this rule–peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Reflections
Among the church body there can sometimes be conflict. Whether that be among its members, a personal issue, or a Biblical one, we are all called to examine ourselves first.
Examining our own hearts can sometimes be a difficult task. Often times we allow for pride to overcome our ability to see that there is sin in our hearts that needs to be dealt with. In verse 7, Paul warns against tricking yourself and God into thinking that you are leading a righteous life. The idea of “reaping what we sow” means that what we choose to make a priority in life, is as deep and far as we get with God. If we choose hatred over love, money over being content, and ultimately sin over disobedience we miss out on an going deep and intimate relationship with God and perhaps being separated from Him if we don’t turn from our sin an accept Him into our hearts.
Paul here is emphasizing that our hearts must align with God’s. Our deeds are to reflect Christ. Our lives are to only boast of what God has done and not what we have done. Choosing God over sin wins us blessing in His eyes every time. Let us come to Him with open hearts, ready to give up sin and choose a life that follows after Him.
whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
In the first century Paul spent a lot of time settling church member disputes. The Corinthian church was full of prideful people and the Romans were waging a civil war between the Jews and the Gentiles. The church that James wrote to was having problems with sin and giving preferences to wealthy people. Across the board Christians seem to always exhibit human attributes. But this is why we are called to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh.
Paul instructed the Galatians to always work for the good of others not against others. This is especially true within the body of Christ. He who hurts others in the body of Christ hurts himself. You cannot harm others in the church without harming the whole body. You cannot damage your hand and simply cast it off. We are all in the body together and we must work for the good of all the members.