We have worked our way through the book of Galatians the last few weeks. There we learned how our only hope of righteousness is the gracious working of the Holy Spirit in us. That fact we claim only because of the name of our Glorious Savior. We can never boast about our own works of righteousness. We live by faith alone in the Gracious redemption and Sanctification so freely given us by God the Father. This only because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice in our place. When we fully surrender to the truth, we allow the Holy Spirit to totally control our lives. We have a gauge that allows us to know how closely we are surrendered. That gauge is the fruit of the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, (and) self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV
When I am walking surrendered to this Spirit, my emotions, responses and actions fit this. When it is off-kilter, I know I need to pray for God to show me where I am off. Perhaps some sin is blocking the pathway or some lack of faith. Either way, He knows and will reveal that to me. This can be recurrent throughout the day, but the same works. Some thought may have entered my head wrongly. Urgently I must pray the moment I recognize the change in my spirit. Which brings us to Chapter 6.
How Should We Respond to a Wayward Brother
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. Galatians 6:1-2
The law of Jesus Christ is different than the law of Moses. Our Glorious Savior was to whom the Old Testament law pointed to. Knowing that the law of Moses could never save anyone. It shows all of us that we cannot ever of our own power become fully Holy and Righteousness. No matter how hard we try. That is why Jesus came to pay the price for our sin. This so that we might be counted as righteous when we through faith believe.
Believe what?
That He is God, the Son part of the One True God manifested in three separate beings. And that He died, taking upon Himself all the wrath from the Father and Holy Spirit for our sin. Additionally, He bore all our shame and guilt. He conquered death, setting us free from the chains which bound us. Then, for all who believe in Him, He cloaked us with His cloak of righteousness. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto eternity. Meanwhile we are being steadily transformed into His image. So, what is the law of Christ?
Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question,testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which isthe great commandment in the law?”Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lordyour God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is thefirst and great commandment. And thesecond islike it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:35-40 NKJV
So How Do We Fulfill the Law of Christ by Bearing Each Other’s Burdens?
Well, first, we need to remember we must come alongside them to gently point them to Christ. Let’s say they are trapped in Alcoholism or even pornography. The last thing they need is someone saying, “Just Cut it Out! Trust God and it will go away. ” What they need is a friend whom they can call whenever the temptation feels overwhelming. A nonjudgmental accountability partner with whom they can trust to be discreet. They can call them anytime, knowing they will answer the phone. Furthermore, someone who will listen. And gently remind them what a wondrous new creation they are in the Glorious Savior, Jesus Christ.
What about if someone is bound in depression, anger, or frustration? Perhaps bound in chronic pain and unable to find their way free? Well, again, we are to gently help to carry their burden without growing weary ourselves. Sometimes that is even harder. I have been in both situations and find the latter harder than the first.
So, how do we do it?
Lots of prayer and reminding ourselves of who we are in Jesus Christ and how blessed we are in Him. Then, humbly, gently do whatever we need to ease the weight they are carrying. We do so while not expecting anything in return from them. Our reward is being able to serve our Glorious Savior in this task He placed before us. Never forget whom we serve.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Galatians 6: 3NKJV
Why Are We Called to Bear our Own Load for our Glorious Savior?
But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. Galatians 6:4-5 NKJV
A Much deeper understanding of this can be found in Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
But let every man prove – That is, try or examine in a proper manner. Let him form a proper estimate of what is due to himself, according to his real character. Let him compare himself with the word of God, and the infallible rule which he has given, and by which we are to be judged in the last great day; compare the Romans 12:3 note; 1 Corinthians 11:28 note; 2 Corinthians 13:5 note.
His own work – What he does. Let him form a fair and impartial estimate of his own character.
And then shall he have rejoicing – That is, he will be appropriately rewarded, and will meet with no disappointment. The man who forms an improper estimate of his own character will be sure to be disappointed. The man who examines himself, and who forms no extravagant expectation in regard to what is due to himself, will be appropriately rewarded, and will be made happy. If, by the careful examination of himself, he finds his life to be virtuous, and his course of conduct pure; if he has done no wrong to others, and if he finds evidence that he is a child of God, then he will have cause of rejoicing.
In himself alone – Compare Proverbs 14:14; “A good man shall be satisfied from himself.” The sentiment is, that he will find in himself a source of pure joy. He will not be dependent on the applause of others for happiness. In an approving conscience; in the evidence of the favor of God; in an honest effort to lead a pure and holy life, he will have happiness. The source of his joys will be within; and he will not be dependent, as the man of ambition, and the man who thinks of himself more highly than he ought, will, on the favors of a capricious multitude, and on the breath of popular applause.
And not in another – He will not be dependent on others for happiness. Here is the true secret of happiness. It consists:
(1) In not forming an improper estimate of ourselves; in knowing just what we are, and what is due to us; in not thinking ourselves to be something, when we are nothing.
(2) in leading such a life that it may be examined to the core, that we may know exactly what we are without being distressed or pained. That is, in having a good conscience, and in the honest and faithful discharge of our duty to God and man.
(3) in not being dependent on the fickle applause of the world for our comfort. The man who has no internal resources, and who has no approving conscience; who is happy only when others smile, and miserable when they frown, is a man who can have no security for enjoyment. The man who has a good conscience, and who enjoys the favor of God, and the hope of heaven, carries with him the source of perpetual joy. He cannot be deprived of it. His purse may be taken, and his house robbed, but the highwayman cannot rob him of his comforts. He carries with him an unfailing source of happiness when abroad, and the same source of happiness abides with him at home; he bears it into society, and it remains with him in solitude; it is his companion when in health, and when surrounded by his friends, and it is no less his companion when his friends leave him, and when he lies upon a bed of death.1https://biblehub.com/commentaries/galatians/6-4.htm, accessed 3/28/26
Be Generous and Do Good as our Glorious Savior
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Galatians 6:6 NKJV
Never forget to be gracious to those who teach you. Share what you have learned.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:7-10 NKJV
I do believe these words speak for themselves. Do not lose heart even when it appears that you have not seen the harvest of your labor. The growth and maturing of the grain are in the hands of our Glorious Savior, not ours. You may think your efforts are not transforming lives. But God uses those efforts of kindness and does miraculous things you may never see this side of heaven.
Glory Only in the Cross of our Glorious Savior
See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. Galatians 6:11-15 NKJV
We have nothing to boast in except the cross of our Glorious Savior and King. Without Him, I am nothing. So, what we must do is Cast All Our Cares Upon our Glorious Savior.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Galatians 6: 16-18 NKJV
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.
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Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated
