Galatians 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.
People misuse Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, or you too will be judged.", as a way to avoid being confronted for their sin. The neglect the rest of that same passage that instructs us how to approach a brother in sin and warns us to check ourselves first.
Here we see another warning. If you see a brother involved in sin that you too have a weakness for, be careful. Their confession may tempt you to sin as well.
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Talk with one another. Venting is good. To the listener...shut up and listen. Don't try to solve the problem. Encourage. Share scripture. Lift one another up. Sometimes just being there is enough.
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.
As we grow in our walk with God compare yourself today with the way you were last week, last month and last year. Don't compare yourself with our brother. The Holy Spirit may deal with him at a different pace. If God does bring victory, by all means share it with your teachers, pastors and elders.
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.
God not only sees what you do,but he knows the why. He cannot be duped by smooth talking. Remember that God knew you would do that thing before the foundation of the world and yet he chose to save you out of His grace, so be honest.
You life will turn out the way you plant it. If you play in traffic, it's not God's fault you got hit by a car. Feed your spirit with the Word and let it grow within you.
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.
It is our job to be faithful. God will provide the harvest in His time.
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
Paul usually dictated his letters. Perhaps the message in this letter was so important that Paul did not want to wait for a scribe. This verse has also lead some scholars to believe that Paul's thorn in the flesh was poor eyesight.
12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are 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.
These people wanted Christians to follow a law they did not keep themselves just so they can feel better about themselves.
14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which 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.
It's not anything that I do. It's all about what Jesus did.
16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to 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.
Paul had been beaten many times for his faith. His body showed the scars. He's lived his faith and did not want his integrity challenged any more.
I usually close my blog with God Bless. I have now found a new sign off.
Galatians 6:18
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
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