Galatians 6 - Wednesday, September 4

Galatians 6

Doing Good to All

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.

⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

¹¹ See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

¹² Those who want to impress people by means of the fleshare trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. ¹⁴ May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which^[a]the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.¹⁵ Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;what counts is the new creation. ¹⁶ Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to^[b] the Israel of God.

¹⁷ From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,brothers and sisters. Amen.

Carry Each Others Burdens

   Anguish, pain and suffering have a way of diminishing the spirit and causing people to withdraw.  Often they find themselves feeling alone, tired, and confused.

   In the Christian church, God calls us to help one another so that the burdens of life do not lead us into despair.  Prayer is a big part of this.  As we take the needs of our brothers and sisters unto our Heavenly Father, He builds in us a genuine compassion and empathy for them.  The more we pray, the more those burdens grab a hold of our heart, and we genuinely want to do something to help.

   Beyond that, we make a difference when we seek to assist our burdened friends with the small tasks that have a way of eating up the time.  Making a meal, cleaning the house, taking care of the little piddly errands are things that we can do to make life just a little easier for those who are dealing with hard things.

    A little contact is also helpful.  Occasional phone calls, notes and cards can help keep our struggling friends from getting overwhelmed and distraught.

   Our Lord Jesus was the biggest burden bearer ever.  He took the pains and struggles of the whole world upon His own body.  May His love build in us a genuine compassion for others.