Caring for others
This past Sunday, the second Life-Application we looked at is there are No Shortcuts Allowed when Practically CARING for others (6:1-6).
In Galatians 6:1 we discovered the
first way that we are to care for others as spiritually mature believers, is to
come alongside of them when they have been overtaken by sin.
It’s important to
note here, that this statement is indicating that someone was caught off guard (i.e. overtaken) and because sin caught them off guard, it caused them to fall. This verse is not talking about a person who is
living in willful disobedience to God, but someone who is willing and wanting
help in overcoming the sin that they find themselves trapped in.
The second way we are
called to spiritually care for one another is by bearing one another’s burdens.
This is really supporting the idea that when we who are spiritual come alongside
of those who are not spiritual (Galatians 6:1), we are to bear the burden with them. We do this by being there
for them and helping to lead them into victory through wise counsel, prayer reading
meditating upon and applying the Word of God to their life situation.
This is further supported
by (v.6), where it talks about the mentor - disciple relationship of teaching
and being taught the Word of God, and how that is an important part of the
restoration process.
This is what it means to spiritually care for one another. We not only make sure our
life is first in order by walking in victory and not in bondage to the sin
that Paul points out in (5:19-21), but we also come alongside of those who are
struggling with a spirit of gentleness where our ONLY motivation is that of
restoration.
As we come alongside of these individuals we walk with them into victory and we
do so by teaching and applying the Word of God into our lives together. That is how we follow Paul’s
instructions from (v.6) of sharing in all good things.
We have
to be men and women who care enough to gently come along side of one another in
order to restore one another to the Lord, and then stay the course with one
another until we are once again living in victory committing ourselves to the
Word of God and to one another.
TIME FOR REFLECTION:
1. How does Galatians 6:1-6 reveal to us
that being Spirit-led will lead to practically caring for others? This will
take some bible study time for you to consider all that is contained within
this passage. (stop, study, reflect).
2. How has God spoken to you through this
passage?
3. What actions is the Spirit leading you to take?
To listen to this message in its entirety, please go to the following Sermon Link.
