Galatians 5:26-6:10 - Instructions for How We Treat Each Other
Galatians 5:25-26 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. 6:1 My brothers and sisters, 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. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. 5For all must carry their own loads. 6Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. 7Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8If 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. 9So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. 10So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.
Where was Galatia? That is a problem. In 25 B.C.E. the Romans created a new imperial province called Galatia. It included the original kingdom of Galatia and extended southward to include portions of six other regions including the cities of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Much of the region would be included in what we now know as Turkey and parts of Greece.
What was the issue that led to this letter? Wherever the churches to which this letter was addressed were located, Paul was furious with them! Apparently some legalistic Jewish-Christians had been stirring up trouble. The issue for them was circumcision. They believed that to be a Christian one must first become circumcised. Paul saw this as a first step back into the full requirements of the law. The issue for him was Justification (how people are saved). The Jewish Christians said that Christ (grace) and circumcision (law-keeping) gave one right standing before God. Paul maintains that it is Christ alone who does that. The bulk of the letter makes the argument that we are free in Christ from the bondage of the law. In today’s passage, Paul has just finished his beautiful explanation of what Spirit filled life looks like. He has painted a picture of what life is like without Christ as center, and what the fruit of the Spirit brings about in a believer. He is very much concerned about the judgmental and fractious spirit that has grown up in the church. People are taking sides and talking badly about each other. He will have no more of it! Here he is saying quite simply that if people are truly touched by the Spirit they should act like it and work together in such a way that the world can see that Jesus and his teaching actually mean something.
Word Study
V. 25- let us – Paul in using this phrase moves from describing the situation to imploring an action. The phrase is in the imperative. Do it!
Vs. 1 – brothers and sisters – the word used here is for kindred, those bound together with close ties.
Transgression – the Greek word refers to a slip up and not a deliberate sin. It is like slipping on the ice. The emphasis is on getting persons on their feet again.
Restore – this word is for making a repair. It was also a word used for a surgeon who removed a growth or set a broken bone. Paul’s point is that all effort should be made to restore someone who has made a mistake or caused offense.
Gentleness –this word has to do with controlling anger, extraordinary courtesy and equanimity.
Take care….This is Paul’s way of saying ‘Look at yourself before you talk about someone else because there but by the grace of God are you.’
Vs. 2 – This is a common Greek proverb about friendship.
Burdens – the word refers to the individual pack that a soldier wore. Paul uses a lot of military imagery to describe the Christian life. It is a battle, mostly with one’s own selfishness. The burdens here are the common problems of daily life. We are to help each other with our problems, with great humility and NO judgment, because God has helped us shoulder our own problems. (Psalm 55:22)
Vs. 3 – Paul is very concerned that believers not think they are better than each other no matter what has happened. Why? Because we all stand equally before God in the need of grace.
Vs. 4 – test their own work – Paul wants us to know ourselves and to examine our own lives and motives.
Vs. 5 – all must carry their own load – This is not a contradiction to bearing each other’s burdens. Here Paul is saying that each person must be accountable for his or her own actions before God. He urges us to test every thought and behavior against the law of Love. Throughout Galatians, Paul urges agape love, that is love that is not an emotion but rather is a choice. It is always choosing the best for another, showing compassion for another and not making acceptance conditional.
Vs. 7-9 – Paul uses farm imagery to drive home the point that what we put into the ground of our lives and tend is what we will harvest and what we will be known for.
Vs. 10 – work for the good of all – It is the Spirit’s desire within us for us to work for the good of everyone giving special attention to those within the family of faith.
Questions for Personal Reflection
1. In what situations do you find yourself carrying a grudge or judging others, especially within the family of faith? Take a moment to ask God to forgive you and offer insight to you for how to move past those feelings.
2. Paul uses military imagery to indicate that spiritual growth is a constant struggle, often with the little wars of misunderstanding and judgment. What could you do today to display the Spirit more clearly in difficult circumstances?
3. Imagine your life today as a fresh ready field. What do you want to sow today?