¹Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. ⁴ Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, ⁵ for each one should carry their own load. ⁶ Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. ⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:1 – 10, New International Version)

Theme:  The Local Church

Context:

We continue our focus on the Discipline of Service.  From a local church perspective, service has two dimensions, internal (within the church) and external (within the community).  Today we will look at the internal and tomorrow the external.    

Bible Passage:

Today’s passage is Galatians 6:1 – 10 (presented above).  In verse 10, we are encouraged to do good to the family of believers.  However, when considered within the context of the other verses in the passage, doing good to other believers isn’t a casual affair.  Carrying the burden of others is very demanding, especially when one considers how much our society is built on individualism. 

Question:

Why is looking out for fellow believers in the local church of extreme importance to God’s mission?