Chapter Six
Bear One Another’s Burdens
6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Paul is not calling for believers to be a police force enforcing rules, laws, or closely observe others for bad behavior, but he is saying that believers should be watching out for each other. When a believer stumbles and is caught in any transgression (Greek paraptōmati, wrongdoing, sin, failure) and is noticed, or comes to the attention of a fellow believer, they need to help restore the person with gentle persuasion. Paul is also not talking about simply chastising, but the need to be willing to aid in their restoration. At the same time, however, to be careful not to get into a scenario that will expose them to a temptation to sin themselves. Paul then calls believers to share in each other’s hardships, that in doing so will fulfill the law of Christ.
The phrase “law of Christ” may sound strange to some, but it is a legitimate New Testament idiom that refers to the instructions given to believers from Jesus. God never rescinded the Old Testament law, but Jesus complied with the law, thus fulfilling it, and as a result has been given authority over all things. We can find in the last chapter of Matthew, in what has become known as the Great Commission, some of Jesus’ last words on earth, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, NLT) Note two points: 1) All authority has been given to Jesus; and 2) we are to obey all the commands He has given us. The law of Christ is essentially all of His instructions to us (see also Romans 3:27-28; 8:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21; James 1:25; 2:12).
6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
When a believer observes or is made aware of a transgression of another believer, it can be perceived by the ‘guilty’ believer as being ‘judged’. Sadly, the most often quoted verse of late seems to be, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1, ESV) Or from an early version of the KJV, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” (similar wording found in the MSV). Typically emotionally spouted back by those being accused. This is an inappropriate defense as that is not the correct interpretation of the verse. Matthew 7:1-5 speaks about judging someone hypocritically, pointing out that before judging someone, make sure you’re not guilty of the same sin. It was not intended to be used to silence any and all accusations. The act of judging is actually acceptable and appropriate, especially when we read fourteen verses later (see Matthew 7:15-20) when Jesus calls us to look at the ‘fruit’ produced by true believers (appropriate subject after reading Galatians 5:22-23). To clarify, these judgments are not a reference to condemnation to hell, it is simply pointing to speaking to other believers regarding legitimate concerns. Only God can condemn someone, that is not the job of any human.
Here Paul tells us that if any believer thinks they are better than some other believer, that person is delusional. All have sinned and fall short, as what we have all comes from God (see 2 Corinthians 10:12-18; Ephesians 2:8-9). He further tells us that we need to be willing to conduct a thorough examination of our work and actions before God. The standard we should employ for this review is “the law of Christ” (see verse two), as it embodies the life and teachings of Jesus. Can’t find any place in the Bible that claims to be the law of Christ? Just start reading from Matthew chapter one through to the end of the Bible. If you follow the teachings of Jesus you’ll pass that self-examination and then will you will have no reason to compare yourself to others, as each is responsible for their own beliefs and actions.
6:6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
This verse has been interpreted in a number of ways, some consider it as some form of payment for a teacher, if one is taught by a teacher then that teacher deserves to be paid. However, the Greek word agathos (the word that is translated as “good things”), which can be found in 90 verses in the New Testament never refers to, or imply, payment, instead it points to doing the right thing, a moral or spiritual good (although there is nothing wrong about paying a teacher). The sharing of good things leads to strong fellowship.
6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 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.
This is a key principle for all believers, God always knows the truth, he knows our innermost thoughts (see Psalm 139:2, 4, 23; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 2:23), which means He knows what motivates us. We cannot fool God, if we think we can do something that will render a favorable response from Him while hiding our true thoughts or motivation, we are only mocking Him. It was true for those “going through the motions” following the law back then, and it is still true today, such as going to church for the wrong reasons. Whatever one ‘sows’ refers to our way of life, when we test ourselves (see verse four) we need to honestly answer this question, “Is following Jesus a priority or are we just offering ‘lip service’? God knows the difference, if living a lie, then one may not make it to heaven. Paul tells us that if someone lives a worldly lifestyle they will reap condemnation. But if someone sows a lifestyle of listening and following the Holy Spirit, then they will enter heaven.
6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
As believers powered by the Holy Spirit (see Zechariah 4:6), we will never “burn out.” Plus, we should never grow weary of doing the right thing, even when there is no recognition from others. Paul is encouraging us that when an opportunity arises, to do the right thing, something good that benefits others, especially for fellow believers.
Final Warning
6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.
This verse can be viewed in a variety of ways, however, mostly speculative. Some believe Paul’s use of large letters was due to poor eyesight (possibly his “thorn in the flesh,” see 2 Corinthians 12:7), but there is no other evidence of that. While others believe he wrote the letter in Greek uncials (large rounded and unjoined letters being the predecessor to all capitalized letters). Regardless, it appears that the message of this verse is that he personally wrote it (not dictated), and that he felt the message was so important and personal that he wanted to convey a heightened level of importance and urgency, which is also supported by the fact that he did not include much in greetings.
6:12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
Paul points out that those who forcefully teach the need for circumcision are themselves eager to demonstrate to others how self righteous they are. Jesus spoke of this pride in the Sermon on the Mount, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1, ESV) Paul then exposes their motivation, “They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save.” (Galatians 6:12b, NLT) Which can be interpreted a number of ways, one view is that since the teachings of Jesus had not been approved by Rome that by requiring circumcision it would be affiliated with Judaism which was allowed. Another view is that they (the Judaizers) did not want to be persecuted by the Jewish leadership. In addition, Paul reveals that those who push for compliance with the law don’t even comply themselves. Their motivation is to boast about their ability to convert proselytes to Judaism.
6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
Paul stops briefly to say that if he were to boast, it would be to boast about what Jesus did for us on the cross, that what the world offers is of no value to him, that appeal died, it has been crucified. He notes that whether one is circumcised or not is no longer important, what matters, that which will offer salvation, is being a new creation (see John 3:3; Romans 7:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17). That for those who walk by this rule (referring to being a new creation through the gospel message) that peace and mercy will be upon them and the Israel of God, the spiritual and physical descendants of Abraham (see Galatians 3:7)
6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
This verse is another often-debated section of the Bible. Even though Paul had many more encounters with hardships ahead of him, he had already endured many afflictions that would have literally left marks on him. Some believe that the marks were what is called a stigmata, Jesus’ wounds manifested on Paul, or perhaps a reference to a some other mystical identification, but there is no justification for either of those beliefs. It is more reasonable to believe that Paul was simply saying that he was done writing and fighting on this issue, the rest was up to them.
6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
In an unusually short closing, Paul concludes his epistle by offering a blessing of the grace of Jesus to be with their spirit.