Galatians 6:1-10 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. ² Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. ⁴ All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. ⁵ For all must carry their own loads. ⁶ Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. ⁷ Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. ⁸ If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. ⁹ So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. ¹⁰ So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

Paul starts his letters with the theological insights about Jesus Christ as true God and true Man and as our eternal Savior from sin. In Galatians he gets defensive about those who accuse him of making up his own teachings instead of being consistent with what Peter and the apostles taught. After declaring that he has met with Peter and the Gospel teaching is consistent with what Peter taught, he goes on to practical advice.

My wife Kathy is watching our grandson Benjamin five days a week from about 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It has reminded me once again about how much teaching and direction goes into helping a child grow up healthy. Those of you who are parenting children know how wearying that can be. But the joy comes as we see them grow and develop and learn proper caution.

Paul encourages us to be proud of what we do IN the Lord. We are Christian. We can act out of our old sinful nature, determining relationships on the basis of performance. But we also need to counsel the fellow members of this Body of Christ, with gentleness, when they go astray. We ARE responsible for each other, not out of pride but by speaking with cautions about getting into trouble. I am called to remind each of you about your relationship with Christ Jesus and living that out with your fellow family members.

We are called to sow and reap spiritual seeds: Praise and worship your Lord and Savior. Sow His forgiving love in the hearts of others. Our old nature wants to sow and reap fleshly seeds: Fill my life with my own pleasures, needs, concerns. LET US NOT GROW WEARY IN WELL-DOING, IN CHRIST. Let us come to his table, to be fed and strengthened, for us and our family. Let the Lord break in each of us any pattern of sowing to ourselves and not to Him. Let Him strengthen us, so that we do good to all, especially our Emmaus household of faith.

In Christ our Lord and Savior,
Pastor Thomas Trapp