Galatians 6 - The Difference Between Enabling and Caring For Each Other!

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Doing Good to All

Today we conclude Paul's letter to the Galatians. As is often the case, he ends with some advice on practical matters. Paul first focuses on how to deal with conflict. For example, how should someone treat someone who is caught up in a sinful behavior. When someone is caught the key thing is to restore them gently. Note the focus is on restoration. Paul closes this opening paragraph with a very important verse. 

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2

A burden is something we cannot carry ourselves. We bear each other's burden when they are too heaven for them to carry. This could happen in many ways. Sometimes we carry other's burdens and sometimes they carry ours. But importantly Paul follows up this verse with, 

For each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:5

Paul says we should carry each other's burdens, but each person needs to carry his own load. This is a big distinction. In another passage Paul says, "If a person doesn't work they shouldn't eat!" 2 Thessalonians 3:10 So while we are to carry each other's burdens, we aren't supposed to carry someone else's load. 

Do you see the difference? When we constantly carry someone else's load it is called "enabling". We you keep doing something that isn't your responsibility for someone else, you are creating a dependent relationship. It is not good for you and it is not good for them. You are "over functioning" and they are "under functioning".  

Paul reminds the Galatians that although God is gracious and forgiving that doesn't mean we won't reap the consequences of our own bad choices. If I choose to drive drunk and something happens, I will be responsible for my bad behavior and its consequences. This is what Paul is saying when he says, 

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. Galatians 5:7-8

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

Paul writes something interesting, 

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Galatians 6:11

Why would he make that statement?

Paul’s custom, typical in the ancient world, was to dictate his letters to a secretary. But he would often personally write a short portion at the end, both to authenticate the letter and to add a personal touch. (Guzik)

 “At this point the Apostle takes the pen from his amanuensis, and the concluding paragraph is written with his own hand… He writes it too in large bold characters, that his handwriting may reflect the energy and determination of his soul.” (Lightfoot)

Paul finishes by making a final statement regarding the presenting problem of the legalists in the Galatian church. As we learned earlier they wanted to require Gentile converts to undergo circumcision. In reality they are enforcing the Jewish law of circumcision as a sign of their pride and wanting to impress others. I.e. They don't really truly care about the Gentiles' conversion or their obedience to God. 

The legalists pretended to be motivated out of concern for the ones they tried to bring under the law. But Paul saw through this deception and saw their motive was really selfish, simply desiring the honor and glory of a good showing in the flesh. They wanted the Galatians to become circumcised so they could wear the submission of these Gentiles as a badge of achievement. Even as David had boasted in the two hundred foreskins of the Philistines he had killed, so these legalists wanted the allegiance of these Gentiles primarily as a trophy. (Guzik)

As we finish Galatians here is a good verse to remember, 

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

The legalistic mindset of the Galatians was fueled by pride. It was the same sin the Pharisees were guilty of. It is a good reminder for us never to get prideful about our faith or obedience to God. Everything we have been given is by grace. Anything we do as Christians is a result of us relying on the Holy Spirit. As Christians we should be the most humble people around and the least judgmental. And if someone is caught in sin, we need to be extra careful that we are not tempted to get caught up into. This is why he says only those who are mature should do such things. 

Tomorrow we start the great book of Ephesians, which is called the manual for the church!