Galatians 5 – 6
I have been looking at this passage for the last week or two in a small bible study. The thing I want to consider is “what we need to do when we feel like quitting.” Let’s be honest, we all have been tempted to give up on something at some point in our lives. I have quit some things that later on I wish I had not quit. Obviously there are some things that we should quit, but I am talking about dealing with the feelings that come to tempt us to quit doing something that is right!
In this passage Paul is writing to people in a position to help, instead of the person who needs help.
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Verses 7 and 8 use sowing to represent giving; In 2 Corinthians 9:6 Paul talks about sowing & reaping meaning the collection of money for the Christians in Jerusalem or sowing can mean giving of time & talents. Both ways sowing is giving to support others and their ministries, while reaping indicates encouragement to sow.
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.
I think 9 & 10 are closely linked. They form a pattern for me: ‘Let us not become weary in doing good’ (6:9) ‘for at the proper time’ (6:9) ‘time’ is a translation of the Greek work kairos. ‘As we have opportunity’ (6:10). ‘Opportunity’ is a translation of the Greek word kairos. ‘Let us do good’ (6:10).
Sowing is doing good to all people, but especially other believers. At the right time (when we have an opportunity) we will reap & we should do good (sow) and since this entire passage is addressed to people in a position to help – now is a time to do good
The question is ‘what would you say to someone who is discouraged?’
The answer from this passage – ask them ‘How can I help you?’
This also makes me think of the passage in Romans 12:5 –
“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
We are called as one body to help restore others, carry each other’s burdens and to give to others.
We all have a part to play in doing this and only you can carry out the part that was intended for you. Don’t get bored doing what is right, because there will be a time for harvest if we don’t quit!
This is a video that I saw based on Galatians 6: do good to ALL people, ESPECIALLY to those who belong to the family of believers. It’s about 15mins long but worth the watch!
My challenge to you – can you do something this week that shows love for others, as Christ has shown love to us?