June 28
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself,” Galatians 6:1-3.
The apostle Paul admonishes Christians with reference to how they should deal with anyone who is suddenly overtaken by a certain sin. Paul is not writing about people who sin willfully, deliberately, persistently, and stubbornly against all better knowledge and understanding. He is speaking of those who sin out of ignorance, or in a moment of spiritual weakness, or in a moment of being deceived by their own sinful nature, or by following someone’s bad example, or by listening to the bad advice of others. In each instance, they are overtaken in a trespass. It can happen to both non-Christians and Christians.
The apostle is addressing “brethren” – that is, those who are Christians. Out of love and concern for anyone overtaken in any trespass, Christians should seek to restore the sinner. There should be a spiritual concern. An effort should be made to speak not just about the sin by which one was overtaken, but also about the Savior from sin and the message of forgiveness.
Emphasis must be placed upon the phrase, “Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” This refers not only to what is said, but how it is said. One can be 100% correct in what is being said, but 100% wrong in how it is said! It might all be in the tone of the voice.
If a person is admonished for doing something wrong and he says, “I’m sorry!” often the other person responds with a proud voice, “Well, you ought to be! You wouldn’t catch me doing something like that!” And what restoration is there? Little or nothing! The tone of the voice can express gentleness, anger, or arrogance! The tone of the voice can result in winning a person over, as we say, or turning him away with hurt feelings and with a determination never to come into contact with you again.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ.” Out of love for our fellowman, we should help him bear his burdens. Is the burden one of weakness of faith, physical sickness and suffering, grief or sorrow, family or financial difficulties, etc.? If asked to help, in whatever you can and in as far as it is possible, help bear the burden! Remember the simple illustration: If the load is too heavy for one to lift, it is only half as heavy if there are helping hands.
“If anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Do not think that you are capable of handling every burden in life by yourself! We need one another. And above all, we need God, both for this life and the life that is to come. He promises to provide you with the necessities for this life, and He sent His Son to provide for you the way to eternal life. Jesus suffered, died, and rose again to conquer sin, death, and the devil. Believe and trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins and victory over death and the devil.
“Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds,
Is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne,
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows,
The sympathizing tear.” Amen.