Carry One Another’s Burdens
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else. 5For each one should carry his own load. 6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.
7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. 8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
- GAL 6:7[NOTABLE]A farming law: plant corn, get corn. Plant to please your flesh and you harvest ruin. Plant to please the Spirit and you harvest life forever. Harvest takes time, so do not give up doing good, 6:9. People call this karma, but karma has no grace. God forgives the sinner, and He still lets us learn from what we planted.
9Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
Final Warnings and Blessings
11See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!
- GAL 6:11[NOTE]LARGE LETTERS. Paul usually told a helper what to write, Romans 16:22, then signed the end himself so no one could fake his letters, 2 Thessalonians 3:17. Why so large? Maybe for emphasis. Maybe poor eyesight. Paul said the Galatians would have torn out their eyes and given them to him, 4:15. Some think that was his thorn in the flesh. That is a guess. See the 2 Corinthians 12:7 note.
12Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ. 13For the circumcised do not even keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
14But as for me, 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. 15For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.
16Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.
17From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.
Amen.