Galatians 6:1

Galatians 6:1 says, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  Paul tells us that if we see someone that has been overtaken by a fault, or fallen into a sinful action, that we who live by the Spirit are to restore them with a spirit of love.  Paul did not say that we are to condemn that person and look down on them.  I believe instead that we need to consider that having an attitude of moral superiority leaves us open to temptation, since this attitude would not be from the Spirit but from the flesh.  Verse two adds, Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.  Paul tells us that we are to help those who are burdened.  We are all, as followers of Christ, to live by the example that He set.  Verse three continues, For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.  This is a warning against self-justification or self-pride.  When we begin to glorify ourselves, we are deceiving ourselves.  We are all saved by grace alone and cannot begin to glorify ourselves.  Verse four states, But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  Paul said that if we prove ourselves by the work done for God that we might rejoice, but only to ourselves, and not seeking the praise of others.  Verse five adds, For every man shall bear his own burden.  This seems to contradict verse two that tells us to bear one another's burdens, but it really doesn't.  Speaking to an individual, Paul tells us we are responsible for our own actions and should accept that responsibility.  When speaking to the church, Paul tells us we are to help those who are struggling.  I believe this also means that even though other people are not responsible for our burdens, if we are doing our best to overcome them, then we should be willing to accept their help.  Verse six continues, Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.  Paul said that if we have been taught the word of God that we are to share it with others.  This also means that some are called to be teachers, and as such they should utilize their gift to benefit others.  Verse seven declares, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  Paul tells us that we may fool people, but we will never be able to mock God by proclaiming to follow Him while sowing seeds of corruption.  We will one day reap the harvest of what we sow.  Verse eight adds, For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  If we are living by the rules of the flesh and ignoring the salvation and leadership that come through Christ, then we are sowing to corruption, or to temporal things.  If we are sowing under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, then we are sowing to everlasting life.  Verse nine continues, And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Paul advises us to not grow weary of well doing, which would mean living for God's glory under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  We are to do what God calls us to do as long as we are able to do it.  God will always empower us to do what He calls us to do.  Verse ten concludes, As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  Paul calls on Christians to do good to everyone.  We are to have a concern for even those who may despise us and are to share the love of Christ with them.  Paul also says this should especially be true of the household of faith, or our fellow Christians.  We are to follow the will of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our relationship to all people.