Bear Necessities

Galatians 6:1–18 NASB95

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. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 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. For each one will bear his own load. The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

We are supposed to take care of one another

If someone is found or is caught in a sin, you are supposed to restore them. Bring them back into right relationship.

The term “you who are spiritual” is not the spiritual elite, it just means those who have the Spirit, so Christians.

So, we’re supposed to be people who bear one another’s burdens.

Examples

Talk to people when they’re struggling

Work to forgive people when they make a mistake.

Sacrifice your time, maybe your finances, and your energy towards helpfing others.

Carrying a 100 pound chest with one person or with four.

Everyone has their own load to carry (5), but when someone is under the crushing weight of their lives, we are supposed to be there for people to love people well.

Final Thoughts

Paul now has said what he has wanted to say, and now summarizes and puts down a few final thoughts to consider.

if you live by the Spirit, you will reap the fruit of the Spirit, if you live by the flesh, you will reap the fruit of the flesh.

You are to always be doing good.

Don’t lose heart, keep going, and always work to love people well while we can.

Everything outside of the cross is hollow. We can’t boast in anything, we can only be glad that God is Good and loved us enough to have died for us.