Note: you may be wondering why I didn't blog about the famous "fruit of the Spirit" passage in Galatians 5. To be quite honest, I blogged about what I first discovered/was inspired by in each chapter. It's interesting to me that it's time for chapter 6 and we won't be blogging about that famous chapter. I'm prayerfully considering a separate series on the fruit of the spirit, over the holidays. We will see if that's what God wants.
Galatians 6
Should we carry burdens, or not?
In the first few verses of Galatians 6, we are instructed to carry one anthers burdens and then that each person will carry his own burden. Does that seem contradictory to you? It seems that it could be, but let's take a closer look.
There are probably several interpretations for this passage, so my thoughts here are just one way to look at it, verse by verse.
Before you read, let me add this disclaimer. I wrote this without any in-depth commentary study or look at study notes. In fact, I want to post this post simply as what I am sensing God may be saying in this passage, without the help of other sources. Before uploading it, I prayed for the Holy Spirit's guidance to edit as necessary.
NEXT week, I will comment on the SAME passage after having studied various sources in addition to more prayer. I want to see parallels and differences and share them with you, and also inspire you in the various processes of Bible study.
Verse 1 sets the context of a brother or sister in Christ having stumbled in their walk with God. Paul tells us as fellow siblings in Christ to be humble and seek to restore that individual with guidance and love, never feeling that we would "never" do such a thing ourselves.
Verse 2 is a strong statement, like a command, to fulfill the law of Christ by carrying one another's burdens. I think that it may directly relate to verse one. I picture a group of people all holding up one part of a burden. For example, when someone has perhaps made some mistakes, several people committing to pray, counsel (confidentially) and even help with accountability when necessary, can help the person bear the burden of their choices and the consequences.
Verse 3 is an interesting commentary on attitude in the process. It says to me that none of us should think so haughtily of ourselves that we can't take the time to help when someone else is burdened. When done properly, there's humility in helping someone because you put your own needs and conveniences aside, and again, it reminds us that we could be in the very same predicament ourselves at some point.
Verse 4 is where Paul tells us to examine ourselves, and be sure whether what we are doing really does bring glory to God. He may be referring to the work that each of us has to do to be restored when we stumble, even if we receive help from others. We should not let them take full responsibility for our mistake, but instead do our part about it.
Verse 5 is where Paul seems to conclude that in the end, we each carry our own burden. Even with help and guidance, ultimately we choose what we will do about our mistake and our journey with God going forward. This is tricky interpretation because God is Sovereign, and He can turn things how He wishes.
What do you think of these verses?
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