You who are spiritual... Gentle

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, ”

Galatians 6:1a NKJV

As believers, we desire to do God's will and walk according to biblical principles, but every day we find ourselves dealing with our corruptible humanity. With subtle irony, the apostle Paul, in addressing his readers, uses the expression “you who are spiritual,” as if to emphasize the “presumed infallibility” of some. He seems to be telling them not to rail against, slander, or hurt those who have fallen, but to help them up, offering a remedy rather than further burdening them in their state. And he adds a warning: “Take heed to yourself, lest you also be tempted” (v. 1b). In fact, even the “strongest” may sooner or later experience a moment of weakness and find themselves accused. We are invited to bear one another's burdens, for those who have fallen must not only be lifted up, but also relieved of the burden they carry, through the help and support of the “spiritual.” In moments of temptation, we discover that we are fallible and not at all infallible. We are thus called to examine our own lives rather than the actions of others, since it is already extremely challenging to take care of our own souls. Scripture encourages us to lift up those who have fallen “with a spirit of gentleness,” that is, with kindness and meekness.

We should all review our attitudes and seek the fruit of spiritual authority. The Spirit manifests itself with kindness, goodness, gentleness... (Galatians 5:22). Good intentions are not enough if, in practice, we add judgments and criticisms to those who are going through a difficult time. Every situation should teach us something: we can also learn from the mistakes of others. Perhaps this is what the apostle had in mind when he wrote that those who sow for material things reap material things, while those who sow for the Spirit reap spiritual things (v. 8). Those who seek material things will have to deal with avarice, greed, and pride, all of which are reproved by God, who desires a humble and contrite heart that humbles itself before Him. Jesus taught us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Those who work for the Kingdom and want to be spiritual should sow for the Spirit and allow themselves to be guided to put aside carnality and human reasoning, because God thinks and acts differently from us. Paul encourages those who strive to be spiritual, sowing and working in the Lord's work: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (v. 9).

Those who are now in difficulty should remain under the mighty hand of God, so as not to lose heart, because if we do not grow weary of doing good, Scripture assures us that we will reap in due season. All the rest of us, on the other hand, should manifest the gentleness that also distinguished Jesus (Matthew 11:29). I assure you that meekness is not weakness, but a true inner strength that manifests itself in kindness, humility, and patience, even in the face of provocation. Let us not trample on those who have fallen, nor ignore them. Let there be in our hearts that burden to stop and help them. Let us care for those in difficulty, because what we sow, we will also reap. “So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who are of the household of faith” (v. 10a). Absurdly, we often stop doing good, especially to those with whom we are to spend eternity. Under the guise of religiosity, we prefer to be judges and executors of condemnation, ignoring that we are where we are only by divine grace. Let us ask God to give us wisdom and humility to examine ourselves. Our obligation is to do good to one another and respect one another in all circumstances.

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Weekly Bible Reading Plan #45

November 3, Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon

November 4, Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1

November 5, Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2

November 6, Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3

November 7, Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4

November 8, Jeremiah 43-45; Hebrews 5