A New Creation – Galatians 6

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

¹¹ See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! ¹² It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 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.

A reflection:

Paul is writing this letter to a group that is plagued by Jewish leaders insisting that new Christians be circumcised so that they will truly look like a unified congregation and be able to participate in the traditions of the Jewish faith. Paul argues they do not need to be circumcised. He says God is doing something new here and the old markers are irrelevant. Instead, Paul argues for a new kind of life whose actions are faithful and happen for the good of the neighbor. My friend, New Testament scholar Sarah Henrich, says this: “Paul describes the radical mutuality of such a life. Assist one another and evaluate only yourself. Do what is given you to do on behalf of your neighbor, as God on behalf of God’s people did what needed to be done for them. By exhorting his hearers not to grow tired, Paul reminds us that this is indeed a hard way to live.”

First Paul says to bear one another’s burdens. Work alongside others, but concentrate on your own work, because you will reap exactly what you sow. If we are patient, like farmers, we will see the result. Be gentle with your neighbor and yourself.

Then, in his own hand, as a personal note to the congregation, Paul does what he can to undercut those demanding circumcision, saying they don’t understand Jesus – that Jesus died not so that a set of laws and customs can be made universal. Jesus died so that you and I are made into something new and wonderful that might not look anything like those others are used to. Peace be upon those who follow the old rules, but we don’t have to.

He urges the new believers to have confidence that Jesus has already accepted them as they are, and nothing can break that connection, that acceptance. Remember all the disciples, who each had problems. Jesus accepted them and loved them. And remember that Jesus loves you and me too, in that same way. We too are to assist one another and evaluate only ourselves. Do what is given us to do on behalf of our neighbor, as God on behalf of God’s people did what needed to be done for them. We will reap what we sow.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for trusting us to do our own work and help others who need it, accepting people as they are, as you accept us. Help us to remember that you love us all. Amen.