Reading:
If
we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory,
provoking one another, envying one another.
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. Bear ye one another's
burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he
deceiveth himself. But let every man
prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not
in another. For every man shall bear his
own burden. Let him that is taught in
the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
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. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in
due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Commentary:
Among Christians, due to the flesh, there is a
natural striving for glory among men. We
want the highest seat in our church, or we want our fellow Christians to look
upon us as "exceptional" Christians always doing good. It is from this vain glory, that most of our
arguments with one another originate (strife and tension in a congregation). Yet Paul by the Spirit here instructs us,
that if we are true Christians (living in the Spirit) we will also walk in the
Spirit (good works follow faith). When
we think and do according to faith, we esteem others better than ourselves, we
meekly restore the erring, and we bear one another's burdens. It is through Christ then, and the confidence
of our salvation purchased by His blood, we truly love our neighbor in a
serving way. We gladly endure their
faults, and do whatever good we can to help them, not for our glory, but
God's. As Jesus was happy to serve His
own disciples, though He was Lord of all, so we gladly serve one another by
love, and we pray God will help us not to be weary. "For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do
good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of
faith. "
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