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. Galatians 6:1-6
This week we are concluding our study in Paul’s letter to the Galatians in a way that is very different from how he normally concludes his letters. In this instance, we see that he is still providing instruction and encouragement to this group of new believers. He carefully instructs the church to use gentle correction in dealing with brothers and sisters who are struggling with sin, but to be careful not to become ensnared in the same web.
This is an example of something that we see far too often in our world today. I often joke that my mother and my best friend’s mom used to love that we hung out together all of the time. Both of us were raised in the same small church, so it made sense to think that we would be good influences on each other. Well, quite the opposite was true, as we got in four times as much trouble as we would have without the other. The reason, we were two young men who, just like all of us, were lured by the instant gratification that came from doing things that “felt good” rather than truly good things. Of course, the positive influence ultimately won out, but the negative put up a tough fight.
Paul provides us with a perfect blueprint in this selection to be a correcting influence in love, while maintaining a position that keeps us from falling into sin, and keeps us from appearing “holier than thou” to those that we are caring for.
Have a great week! ~Danny
