“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Galatians 6:1-18 NKJV
The first call to action that Paul the apostle Paul asserts to readers of chapter 6 is to reach out to fellow Christians that may be struggling with a certain trespass or sin. Individuals that are spiritually mature should find it in themselves to reach out to these people to bring them back into the fold. The approach to this should always be in a manner that is gentle and not willing to create conflict. The person on the receiving end should be edified and encouraged through the Word of God to seek out the habits and conduct that is exemplified in the life of Christ. A conversation such as this should not focus on condemnation or belittling the person for their actions. This approach will never produce a willing participant. What person would want to to feel bad about themselves or find it necessary to defend their actions? Coming alongside this person with the heart of Christ should give this person a perspective that they should focus on the Lord and His ways because they are far superior to anything that they could produce themselves. This perspective is one that everyone should continually pursue.
If a person is not mature enough to reach out to others that may be struggling in a given area, they should ask themselves what is holding them back from helping others? Why can they not point others to Christ? Are they consumed with their own struggles or are they simply selfish and unwilling to help others? If it is the former, the text notes that this person shall reap what they sow. This alone does not produce confidence. Rather, pursue the things of God and be filled with the spirit, for this person shall have everlasting life. This is a vital perspective for the Christian life. If a follower of Christ does not see a need to forsake all and follow after Christ and all that He offers then this person is set up for failure. A person such as this has not surrendered their will to the directing of the Lord and they are bound to follow after their own desires, which will lead them down a path of destruction and despair. This is not what the Lord desires and it is not how the Christian life is meant to be lived.
Paul continues as he tries to uplift the people of Galatia, as well as future readers, not to be discouraged or disheartened, rather continue to do good unto others, and in particular, fellow Christians. As the body of Christ we each should be ready and willing to help each other. Simply, do not be selfish. This cannot be conjured up, for each person must pursue the Lord and allow Him to change their hearts.
The last point that Paul asserts in the text focuses on human effort and the sake of appearing a certain way towards others. During this time period, individuals could pressured to be circumcised due to the Jewish customs. They may have felt that this act would absolve them. However, this act does not save the soul of the person that it is performed on. If it is done out of obligation to tradition and the law of man then it is of no effect. Those that boast in the efforts of man and following the law are fooling themselves. They boast in themselves, but truly on the inside they are empty.
If a person does not follow the letter of the law completely, then they are an utter failure and boasting should not be permitted. However, the only thing that should be worth boasting about is Jesus and the power and love that He bestows upon us. It is because of His sacrifice for us on the cross that we can be redeemed and freed from the power and penalty of our sin. Nothing we can do ourselves is ever going to be good enough to take away the sin that we have committed. This should humble each of us and cause us to approach Jesus with reverence and the praise that He deserves. It should also cause us to surrender our opinions, our thoughts, and ultimately our lives to Him. The obstacles that stand in the way is our pride, our deceitful hearts, and our constant need to stay in control. This is all understandable, but it is not necessary.
Choose to seek Jesus with your whole heart and allow Him to change your desires. Ask the Lord to fill you with His spirit so you can turn from sin. Seek Him and study the Bible to continue to learn about Him. Look out for others that may be struggling along the way. We all have a choice and we all know the expectations. God opens out his hand to each of us and promises to be there with us and to empower us to hold the course. What are you waiting for?