Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Galatians 6 (NIV)
Doing Good to All
6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Not Circumcision but the New Creation
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 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. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. 17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers, and sisters. Amen.
How can you restore a brother caught in sin and avoid feeling superior to him?
Lord, each of us is on a journey in our faithfulness. Each of us takes different paths and sometimes make detours as we travel through our life. We all have burdens. We suffer illnesses, physical disabilities, sorrows, grief, worries, responsibilities, temptations, errors, doubts, weaknesses, and failures. Help me to not compare my journey with the one that others are traveling. Allow me to not be proud because I have traveled further but instead recognize that I have already been down the road they are on and I can help guide them away from treacherous cliffs. When I encounter someone who has succumbed to sin, allow me to support them with Your love and encouragement. Let me see them from Your eyes and see their heart as You see them. Lord, walk with me so that I can be a faithful friend but do not allow me to be influenced by their sins. As much as I like to be self-sufficient, there are times when the burdens of this life are unbearable without the support of faithful friends. I am so grateful to those close friends with whom I talk and pray regularly who have helped me during times when the burdens have seemed too heavy for me to carry alone. Let me reflect on those times as I minister to and support others who have failed in their walk with You and need a hand to get back on the path of healing and forgiveness. By my actions of love and support, let me sow seeds of faith and Your love to those in need. Let the seeds of Your love grow along the path as we walk the journey together. May our focus be on our eternal destination where we will see the glorious harvest of Your love. Amen