Brothers, even if a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in a gentle spirit, looking to yourself, so that you also may not be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deluding himself. 4 Each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast with regard to himself alone, and not with regard to someone else; 5 for each will bear his own load. 6 One who is being instructed in the word should share all good things with his instructor. 7 Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows, 8 because the one who sows for his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit. 9 Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. 10 So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.
Paul tells the spiritually mature Christians, “you who are spiritual” to gently confront the sinner, and help reintegrate him into the community and restore his relationship with God. He emphasizes the need for humility and self-awareness, recognizing that all are vulnerable to temptation and sin, and are in need of grace(cf. 1 Cor. 10:12) They must avoid judgmental attitudes or harshness, which would hinder reconciliation and healing. Believers are to imitate Christ, who bore the ultimate burden of sin (cf. Mt. 11:29-30), and support each other in times of hardship, weakness, and challenge. By imitating Christ, they will fulfill the law of love (Jn. 13:34), which is the underlying principle of the mutual support Christians are called to provide. They should not have an inflated sense of self-importance, examine their own works, and not compare themselves with others. While believers share the heavier burdens of others, each Christian is accountable to God for their own personal duty and moral life.
In early Christian communities, it was the apostles, evangelists, or elders (cf. Eph. 4:11) who gave instructions in Scripture (the Word) and Christian doctrine. Those being taught the Gospel should provide material support ( food, money, or other resources) to their teachers. Paul warns the Galatians not to deceive themselves into thinking they can mock God through their behavior because attempts to deceive God or live hypocritical lives will ultimately fail.
Individuals will face the consequences of their actions because God sees all and will act justly in response to their actions. Living in a sinful self-centered way will lead to temporal and eternal ruin while living according to the Spirit leads to the fullness of life in communion with God, beginning now and continuing after death. Believers must persevere in doing good despite the difficulties and opposition they may face. Christians must be ready for every opportunity God provides for them to do good and perform acts of kindness, love, and charity to all. However, there is a special responsibility to care for fellow Christians because of the deep bonds of unity and mutual care that should exist within the body of Christ (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8).
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to bear one another's burdens with humility and love, imitating Christ in all we do. Help us to sow in the Spirit, doing good to all, especially to our brothers and sisters in faith. May we be gentle in restoring those who have strayed, always mindful of our need for Your grace. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
Comments