You who are spiritual
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load (Galatians 6: 1-5).
Paul outlines the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. In chapter 6, he gives us an example of a brother giving way to temptation and in need of restoration. The fault is an example of the works of the flesh. The restoration is an example of the fruit of the Spirit. The Lord gives us two outstanding examples of restoration in the lives of Thomas and Peter towards the end of John’s Gospel. Thomas’ lack of faith and Peter’s self-confidence led to their failures. We can identify with such mistakes. It is a common problem, that we lack faith in God but not in ourselves. It is only when such behaviour humbles us that we begin to learn from these experiences.
The Lord restored Thomas and Peter in the presence of the rest of the disciples. I think there were two reasons for this approach. The first was that both disciples openly expressed the path they were taking before their fellow disciples. Second, the Lord was showing the disciples how to undertake the ministry of restoration. Christlikeness in those working to restore failing brethren is vital. Paul then says, “considering yourself lest you also be tempted”. Peter was not the only disciple who said he would be faithful to the Lord, and Thomas was not the only disciple who doubted the resurrection (Matthew 26:35, Mark 16:13). We must never forget that every one of us is capable of the most dreadful failures.
Bearing one another’s burdens is a ministry of love, the law of Christ. It demonstrates our genuine affection for each other and strengthens the bonds of fellowship which connect us. This activity teaches us humility. We are not to seek the first place. The Lord addresses the disciples’ desire to be prominent (Luke 22:24) by undertaking the lowliest service in love, in John 13:2-5. Fulfilling the law of Christ means allowing the love of Christ to motivate our actions and seek the blessing of others.
We are given our own areas of service. We must take care to fulfil well the work God has given us: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). Viewing our work as something we do for Christ puts an entirely different perspective on things. It makes the most straightforward tasks valuable and teaches us to live out our faith in the practical areas of our lives. Joseph was ready to rule a nation because he learned to fulfil the work of a slave. Moses learned to lead his people by shepherding sheep in the wilderness. Each of them learned to bear their own burdens. In doing so they were given the ability to carry the burdens of others. We discover the strength to fulfil our responsibilities by casting our care on Him. In turn we are encouraged to bear one another’s burdens in love. And we also discover what it is to receive the help of fellow Christians in times of need.
