Galatians 6:1-2 Help Your Fellow Christians and Fulfill the Law of Christ

Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

The responsibilities of the man who walks by the power of the Holy Spirit are many. Besides looking out for himself, he must also look out for others, as Paul exhorted the elders of Ephesus: “Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). This is because false teachers will come in, teaching destructive doctrines and perverting the Word of God—and many who are unstable in the faith are in danger of falling into evil doctrines and into sinful lifestyles (Acts 20:29-30, cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Paul has first and foremost in view here in v. 1 that a brother or sister in Christ has fallen into a sinful habit or an open sin. Paul probably has in mind the deeds of the flesh which he confronted in 5:19-21. Such a person is in grave danger of becoming apostate. Thus James warns us, “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20). A life of sin is not to be taken lightly; it could bring a person the death of his/her soul. So do not take it lightly when you see a brother or sister in sin, dear Christian. Confront them for their own good—if God grants that person repentance (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26), then you have one a brother/sister in Christ, and your reward will be great in heaven.

So who is to correct a person who is caught in any trespass—and yes Paul says “any.” Is it your pastor? Is it the deacons or elders? No, it is one who is spiritual—one who is walking by the Spirit. Those who are immature ought not seek to confront such a person, lest they fall into sin—whether the sin that the other is committing or pride, hatred, or some other spiritual folly. Such an immature believer ought to get another to confront the one caught in sin. But the one who is spiritual must also not become haughty; he/she too must guard him/herself, being conscious of the Spirit’s leading and being guided by His power. If this person does not keep guard, watching his/her own life, then this one too may well be tempted and fall into the same sin or a sin of pride or hatred. This is a diligent watching, for temptation can easily overtake you as you are yet in sinful flesh.

Confronting and showing the error to a person in sin is no simple business. Be gentle in spirit as you approach him/her. As Christ Himself said, “Blessed are the meek….” Paul warns Timothy in the same way to correct someone “with gentleness,” relying upon God, not your own tact and wit to bring such a one to repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). Approach a person in sin in this manner: first in private on your own, if you are walking by the Spirit in gentleness, then with a small group, and then finally as the local church (Matthew 18:15-18). Forgive the sinner and accept him/her into fellowship as he/she repents.

You are to do this to “fulfill the law of Christ.” You must bear one another’s burdens as each one faces trials and temptations, and when a brother/sister falls into sin, you must help that one to escape. This is how the body of Christ works: we all must work together to build one another up into godliness. In doing this, you love one another: which is the fulfillment of the law of Christ. Therefore brothers and sisters, when hardships and trials face one another, whether one falls into sin, experiences loss, is ill or imprisoned, or has any sort of difficulty, be a shoulder for that person both to grieve upon and to help him/her turn his/her gaze upon Christ and live a life devoted to the Kingdom of God.