Galatians 6:1-4

 Paul, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ in the early church, writes to the churches in Galatia in this letter. 

After commanding the Galatian Christians to walk by the spirit and not by the flesh in chapter 5, Paul commands his fellow believers to bear one another’s burdens in chapter 6. 

Verse 1 says, 

“Brethren,  even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself so that you too will not be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 NASB). 

The convictions of sin that God works in us will always be stirred up so that we can turn and glorify God. When we approach a friend or enemy stuck in sin, we approach with gentleness, remembering that we are like them. We have all fallen short and God offers the same mercy He gave us. 

Look in the mirror first though, make sure your intentions match God's perspective (James 1:23-25). His perspective will always Glorify Himself. God's wisdom is pure, impartial, peaceful, reconcilable, and honest (James 4:17).

This process of reconciliation will sometimes take weeks, months, and even years to be completed. It is a constant dying of self that rips off the pride and anger you have towards the person. As you listen to them and constantly strive to point them to the cross, remember to protect yourself. Yes, there will be internal attacks of doubt, shame, and anger that could fog God's perspective, but don't let that distract you from the external attacks of manipulation, lying, and bitterness that the other person could throw at you.

 Sometimes the best way to love someone is to detach from them. Paul says, "But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler not even to eat with such a one" (1 Corinthians 5:11 NASB). 

Going back to Galatians, in verse 2, Paul writes, 

"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatains 6:2 NASB).

What is the law of Christ? Put simply, it is to "Love The Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; And your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27). As Christ beared our sins upon his back, we bear our fellow Christians sin and shame together, believing Christ can forgive all sins. 

Verse 3 states, 

"For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Galatian 6:3 NASB). 

Paul is indicating how important humility is for a follower of Christ. Are we really anything but a sinner justified by Gods mercy? Helping fellow beggers to the bread? We are all equal in the amount of wrath deserved on us, which means we are equal with the amount of mercy God grants us. Jesus never commands his followers to find courage in themselves and to boast proudly of their own works, He commands them to deny themselves and make disciples of Christ by pointing them to the cross daily. We point to the cross because there, all mankind can relate to each other,"all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We need his reconciliation of our own souls to Him first before we understand true humbleness. At the feet of the cross, we find that reconciliation.  

When we realize this truth, that we are nothing without Christ, it is easier to share our burdens with fellow believers, knowing they go through the exact same struggles. No one is special in this, we all need the same care and commitment in accountability.

Verse 4 says, 

"But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another" (Galatains 6:4 NASB).

This boasting Paul is referring to is not our justification before God, it is not boasting of our own righteousness. It is boasting of Christ's work, Our sanctification, which is only happening because of Christs spirit in us. For example, Instead of comparing your christ-likeness with other Christains, you should compare your Christ-likeness with Christ's commandments. Test yourself today, Are you truly applying God's word in your life? Or are you just going through the motions of Christianity?

God's perspective for his follower and for non-believers will always be similar: Turn from your sins, Trust in Jesus Christ as your justifer, saviour, and Lord of Life and then GO make disciples that die to self daily and pick up their cross. 

God's philosophy is really not that hard to understand, but it is very hard for us to respond correctly and live it out. 

Paul explains God's formula well when he stated, "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Chrsit died for us" (Romans 5:8 NASB). Not while we were perfect, but while we were sinners. He gave Himself for us.

Please don't abuse this amazing grace of God, dwell in it, desire it and pour it out into others. 

"Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10 NASB).