Bible DISCUSSION: Galatians Chap. 6

[Pablo Rafael]

This thread is for any comments and insights about Galatians chapter 6.

[antonyh]

Bear One Another’s Burdens

6My 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. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil* the law of Christ. 3For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbour’s work, will become a cause for pride. 5For 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. 8If 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. 9So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

Final Admonitions and Benediction

11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which* the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For* neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.* Amen.

[sailaway58]

What is the danger of correcting someone else's sin or wrong?

[Pablo Rafael]

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all.

This verse means a lot to me. Sometimes I grow weary of doing what is right. It sometimes seems that I make no progress. I think also for those of us in the LGBT community that we see what forces are working against us, and it is easy to get discouraged. But we must not give up doing what is right, for God promises that good work will not be in vain.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Pablo Rafael

This verse means a lot to me. Sometimes I grow weary of doing what is right. It sometimes seems that I make no progress. I think also for those of us in the LGBT community that we see what forces are working against us, and it is easy to get discouraged. But we must not give up doing what is right, for God promises that good work will not be in vain.

When it comes to matters like these, it is almost necessary to think in expanded time frames. In a world filled with selfishness and greed, sorrow, and overwhelming need, doing what is right can appear futile, even counter to one's worldly success. But over decades, an accumulated lifetime, we create not only deeds that we have left behind, but our very character - and that we are left with. It is who we become by our choices - that person - who we must live with, indeed, live inside of. And after much time, we begin to see where we have been, where we are, and a general direction as to where future paths may go.

I see all manner of reason for optimism. While we are still facing some intransigent obstacles, we have come tremendously far for LGBT persons in just the last decade. We have much reason to hope.

The power of love works gently and slowly. Obstacles, violence, and hate work in swift catastrophic strokes. Given time and continued persistence, we will see healing and fruits of love. Always, throughout history, there have been those who have seen clearly and loved. We walk in their footsteps, and others will follow after us. That is much reason to take heart.

[antonyh]

Originally Posted by Pablo Rafael

This verse means a lot to me. Sometimes I grow weary of doing what is right. It sometimes seems that I make no progress. I think also for those of us in the LGBT community that we see what forces are working against us, and it is easy to get discouraged. But we must not give up doing what is right, for God promises that good work will not be in vain.

Doing the right thing does get very discouraging. I recently graduated from school and I'm in a job search right now and the "paranoid me" wonders how many interviews and offers have been turned away because my sexual orientation/activism is pretty visible in web search. I wish I didn't have to feel this way and this is why we need to keep pressing on so that the world is a safer place for other LGBT people. As you say, doing the right thing is often very difficult and often misunderstood. I think that is why many people still struggle with coming out. It is really difficult taking a stand about yourself in the world (I've been out 10 years and I still find it a struggle...especially when I am vulnerable). I guess it is good we have Soulforce...certainly a good place to find encouragement for the journey.

[antonyh]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

I see all manner of reason for optimism. While we are still facing some intransigent obstacles, we have come tremendously far for LGBT persons in just the last decade. We have much reason to hope.

The power of love works gently and slowly. Obstacles, violence, and hate work in swift catastrophic strokes. Given time and continued persistence, we will see healing and fruits of love. Always, throughout history, there have been those who have seen clearly and loved. We walk in their footsteps, and others will follow after us. That is much reason to take heart.

I like what you say about love working gently and slowly. I am optimistic in the long-term but find myself uncomfortable in the short-term. Justice will win out.

[BenL]

Originally Posted by antonyh

14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which* the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For* neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.* Amen.

Paul's ending to Galatians summarizes everything that's important to Christians. For me "circumcision" stands for all the regulations of society or the church that get in the way of being united with the Divine Love. Did Paul have the stigmata? Maybe. What's more important is that he is "branded" with the marks of crucifixion in the new creation of ultimate freedom.

Take heart. Don't sweat the small stuff. Look to God. Unite yourself with the divine in God's love.

[tesseract]

Originally Posted by antonyh

Bear One Another’s Burdens

14May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which* the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For* neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.* Amen.

Originally Posted by BenL

Paul's ending to Galatians summarizes everything that's important to Christians. For me "circumcision" stands for all the regulations of society or the church that get in the way of being united with the Divine Love. Did Paul have the stigmata? Maybe. What's more important is that he is "branded" with the marks of crucifixion in the new creation of ultimate freedom.

Take heart. Don't sweat the small stuff. Look to God. Unite yourself with the divine in God's love.

I forget who said it, but I read somewhere where they said the most political thing one can do is come out, or words to that effect. The above quote from Galations where it says "a new creation is everything", gives me hope that being a new creation in Christ through whom my sexuality is affirmed and accepted can help to bolster the coming out process.
I like what Ben said about circumcision standing for the regulations of society and the church that get in the way of union with the Divine Love. It made me think about what Galatians says about the world being crucified to me and I to the world through the Cross. To me, in addition to overcoming society's regulations about being glbt, it could also mean overcoming my own inner struggles through Christ and feeling freer to be myself, wether through coming out to someone or just in general. Hope that all made sense! Sometimes I confuse myself, lol!
Well, peace to everyone!

Jason

[missionarymiles]

Originally Posted by antonyh

Bear One Another’s Burdens

6My 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. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil* the law of Christ. Amen.

This is one of those passages that is best known by the juicy middle and not by the solid bread that is on each side. Most Christians are quick to not get involved in the lives of the hurting so that they can take care to not be tempted themselves. I can't help a drunk so that I won't drink. I can't help a drug addict so that I won't party. What is forgotten about is that most of a sandwich is bread, and taking care of yourself is only a small part of what should be done.

In Bible college I heard all the time, "Context is everything." This is true here. True one should pay attention to not become part of the mess they trying to help fix, but that is not the point of this passage. The point is you are supposed to HELP! You are supposed to get involved. You are supposed to get your hands dirty and your feet wet. Keeping yourself from temptation does not fulfill the law of Christ, bearing one anothers burdens does.

May I be the type of missionary that is just a simple samaritan on his way home from work.

MM