1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3-5 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbour. For each will have to bear his own load. 6 One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

7-8 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:1-10 English Standard Version

Many of Paul's letters have sections where he gives a flurry of practical instructions to apply the doctrines he had been dealing with. What we believe about Jesus should always affect how we then behave. Having explained to the Galatians that salvation comes through faith in all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done, rather than their observance of rituals in the law of Moses, he tells them in vs 1-9 what this should now mean in the fellowship. What is the general principle he wants them to put into practise? (vs 10)

Because Christ has loved us so much, and we have been forgiven so much, Christians are called to take whatever opportunities come their way to put His love into action. Not only towards fellow Christians, but to all who the Lord brings across our path. But certainly, fellow Christians should have a big place in our heart. How do we do good to them according to vs 1-2?

We ought to care enough for them to notice when they are in spiritual danger. We should not be so wrapped up in our own lives, or too afraid of a difficult conversation, that we neglect their well being. But we need to go about such assistance with much gentleness. And when it comes to some sins, we need to be on our guard. (Here is a warning for men who get too involved in trying to help a woman who may be struggling in some area.)

What is the dangerous attitude that will rob someone of the gentleness that is usually needed to correct someone who is in error? (vs 3-5)

The attitude of self-importance, even self-righteousness. This isn't a danger just for an immature Christian, but also for those who pride themselves on how sound their doctrine is. Remember that the conflict in this Church was because there were those who thought themselves superior in doctrine, and demanded that believers needed to be circumcised. Paul urges us to not measure our righteousness by the faults we see in others, but to rather examine our own attitudes and motives.

Our attitudes to others and our actions in life are very much like seeds being sowed. (vs 7-8) And God is not fooled or misled by what others may see on the outside of our lives. Paul had already mentioned how some of the deeds of our earthly nature were things like enmity, strife, jealousy, and fits of anger. People may hide those things from others (and sometimes only their families know of them), but they can't hide their hearts from God. Paul's warning is that no-one should deceive themselves by serving their own selfish desires. Rather we should make every effort to live as the Holy Spirit leads us into all that Jesus taught, both personally and through His apostles. Why does that make vs 9 so important?

Because it's not easy to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who abuse us. Yet that's what Jesus calls us to do in Luke 6:27-28. But we mustn't lose heart and give up. God WILL bless the good seed we sow. And, says Paul, one aspect of that good seed is to share all good things with those who teach us. (vs 6) We must support those who God calls to be shepherds of His flock. Are we people who give generously to the work of the Lord – whether our local Church or missions?