It Starts Small

6 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. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. ⁴ Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, ⁵ for each one should carry their own load. ⁶ Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Galatians 6:1-6

The exhilarating main theme of the book of Galatians boldly proclaims that we are justified by faith alone. This concept soars far above the restrictions of the law! Yet, countless adversaries of Paul, champions of the law, passionately contend. They argue that those liberated from the Old Testament law might succumb to the seductive whispers of sin. They fear this is all in a desperate bid to let “grace abound.”

In the last chapter and a half of Galatians, Paul passionately underscores the vibrant life that Christians should embrace. They are empowered by grace. Being under grace is not an invitation to indulge in sin. Instead, it is a glorious call to be led by the Spirit. The Spirit profoundly transforms us from within. In this chapter, Paul fervently continues to address the burning question. What should a Christian do if he is free from the law?

restore that person

Paul passionately asserts that while we live under grace, it absolutely does not give us a license to ignore sin! We must address it directly. It’s not just Paul’s burden—every believer is called to actively confront the sin they witness in fellow believers. In this powerful verse, we uncover crucial principles. These principles guide us in the vital task of addressing others with love. They guide us in speaking truth regarding their sin.

if someone is caught in a sin

This book is passionately crafted for believers. Therefore, it feels entirely fitting to understand “someone” as referring to “any believer.” When we encounter unbelievers in their sin, we boldly preach the gospel to them. However, when a fellow believer falls into sin, we are called to confront that sin with love and urgency. The term “caught” powerfully conveys that the individual is ensnared in their sin. This is not just a fleeting mistake. It signifies a troubling habit. It may be a relentless temptation binding them in its grasp.

you who live by the Spirit

To begin with, this means it is not solely the leaders’ duty to confront sin among fellow believers. Every believer committed to obeying God passionately embraces this collective responsibility. If you spot a sin issue, take that courageous step to speak to the individual directly! Don’t idly stand by, waiting for a leader to notice or act. What does it truly mean to be “one who is spiritual”? The term “spiritual” encompasses a vibrant believer yearning to obey God. Remember, being spiritual doesn’t equate to flawlessness. A spiritual individual is a believer infused with the Spirit of God, empowered to comprehend and assess profound spiritual truths!

Restore

Pay careful attention to this vital word! The essence of confrontation transcends mere conflict. It’s not about making the other person feel bad. Nor is it about elevating your own sense of self-worth. It has nothing to do with flaunting your knowledge or unleashing pent-up anger and frustration. No, the true purpose of confrontation is far more profound. It’s about rekindling that relationship between the individual and God (James 5:19-20). Let this be your unyielding motivation as you navigate these challenging moments!

gently

This serves as a vital reminder. Every nuance of your communication holds immense power. The attitude you project matters. The tone you choose, the volume at which you speak, your facial expressions, and even your gestures are important. It’s crucial to refrain from yelling and to maintain your composure; your objective is not to shame but to uplift. Feel deep compassion for the individual in front of you. Let your words be a soft, kind embrace. They should resonate with tenderness and understanding.

But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

When you’re summoned to correct or restore others, let it be done with the utmost humility and fervor! Take a moment to introspect and assess your own attitude, ensuring your motivations are pure and devoid of hypocrisy. Do not be a hypocrite! Embody integrity and inspire change through your own actions!

Carry each other’s burdens

This verse beautifully connects with verse 1, reminding us that we are not isolated individuals striving for God in solitude. We are woven together into a vibrant tapestry of community, a true family. In a family, we uplift and support one another in every trial. What burdens might we be carrying that need sharing? How can we intentionally lighten each other’s loads and walk together with compassion and love?

Based on the context, one powerful way to bear others’ burdens is to passionately restore those ensnared in sin. We must offer support and compassion. Beyond this, it signifies a profound commitment to helping and uplifting one another. The word “bear” encapsulates the essence of carrying the weight or the load. Stresses, worries, health challenges, and spiritual battles are the heavy burdens we all carry. Through our love and support, we can lighten one another’s load.

By embracing the profound act of listening with devoted and compassionate hearts, we unleash a transformative power. This power lifts the burdens of those around us. Beyond mere listening, we can fervently pray, offer wise counsel, or extend our hands in service. When someone is ailing, we can lovingly prepare a meal to nourish their body and spirit. If a friend is drowning in sorrow, we can whisk them away for a delightful meal to ease their heart. In times of stress, we extend a warm invitation. Join us for an evening of prayer. Enjoy dessert and joyful games. Together, they can serve as a balm for their weary soul. If someone feels the pang of loneliness, a thoughtful gift from us can illuminate their day. To engage in these meaningful actions, we must cultivate deep relationships with our fellow believers. We must remain ever-watchful and sensitive to their needs. We can remind each other that Jesus’ yoke is easy and light (Matthew 11:28-30, also 1 Corinthians 1:3-5). This is the essence of fulfilling the law of Christ: to love our neighbors as fervently as we love ourselves.

Do you notice when others are stressed or discouraged? Do you take initiative to help? What is a specific way you can bear one another’s burdens this week?

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,

We must deeply grasp this verse within the vibrant context of the theme of Galatians! I fervently believe that this verse symbolizes the individual. This is the one who arrogantly attempts to adhere to the law. They try to fulfill its demands by their own strength. Just like Paul, who candidly shares his journey (Philippians 3:3-7) before encountering Christ, we see a reflection of this struggle. The person boasts of his importance. He is circumcised and places his trust in his own righteous deeds. He is oblivious to the true grace offered in faith!

This individual stands stripped of any claim before God. Even his noblest acts are nothing but filthy rags in the divine gaze. Thus, he remains utterly empty. He knows not the embrace of God; salvation and eternal life elude him. He is not a cherished child of God. Every soul is fashioned by God’s hand, imbued with intrinsic worth. Yet, spiritually, we are destitute, offering nothing of value unless we are transformed by the regenerating power of Christ.

Don’t be prideful. Do not put trust in your good works.

 Each one should test their own actions.

We must deeply grasp the profound truth of verse 4, intertwined with verse 14 (See Ephesians 2:8-9). It is abundantly clear that we cannot earn salvation. Nor can we boast about meeting God’s expectations. We should never parade our goodness. We should not boast about the extraordinary things we’ve accomplished for God. Instead, let us humbly recognize the grace that has been freely bestowed upon us.

In that case, what does it truly mean to “test your own work”?

The heart of verse 4 passionately drives home the importance of sincerely evaluating the incredible work you’ve accomplished for God. It also emphasizes humbly recognizing the monumental contributions of others. Jesus reminded His disciples. Many have planted the seeds, but they are the ones reaping the glorious harvest (John 4:38). This powerful truth calls on the disciples to view their efforts through an honest lens. They should profoundly appreciate the invaluable roles others have played along their journey.

Each person stands before God with a profound personal responsibility. We alone are accountable for our actions, and not for the choices of others. It is not what others do to us that matters, but how we choose to respond with strength and grace. We must seize every opportunity to serve God with unwavering dedication. Let us remember that while others may be called to support us in bearing our burdens, we must accept this support. However, we must not shy away from carrying our own weight. Our personal load consists of the everyday responsibilities we must shoulder with determination. Burdens, on the other hand, are overwhelming challenges. We cannot face them alone. It is here that we seek the strength of community.

¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

God has bestowed upon each of us unique tasks that are our divine calling, our sacred duty. These missions are not mere suggestions; they are the very essence of what He has ordained for us. We must not shirk these responsibilities by passing them onto others! We must recognize that we can fulfill these roles only due to the transformative power of Christ. This power works in our hearts. Through the boundless grace of God, we find the strength to carry this burden. The Holy Spirit provides illuminating guidance.

Are you truly living your life to the fullest, or are you letting precious moments slip away? Imagine standing before God today. If He asked you to reveal the fruits of your labor on this earth, what could you present Him? Reflect on your time spent building His glorious kingdom. Consider how much time has merely fueled your own ambitions. On that fateful day, excuses and blame won’t shield you; you will stand alone before the judgment seat. Will you face Him with unwavering confidence, or will the weight of shame drape over you? What divine tasks is God placing on your heart that remain unfinished? This week, how can you rise to the occasion and dedicate yourself to His work?

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Discussion Questions

• What does Paul mean in verse 1 when he says, “you who are spiritual”?
• What attitude should they have when correcting others?
• What is the goal of confronting brothers and sisters in their sin?
• What must we be careful of when we do it?
• How can you bear others’ burdens?
• What law is this fulfilling?
• What does verse 3 mean? Are we something or nothing? Explain your answer.
• Do we have a reason for boasting? What does Paul mean in verse 4?
• How can we bear our own load?

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