Bear One Another's Burdens
6 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should gently restore him. Watch yourself, or you too may be tempted. 2 Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone, not in comparison with his neighbor. 5 For each one will have to carry his own load. a a v5 This personal 'load' is everyday responsibility — different from the crisis-weight 'burdens' of verse 2. 6 The one who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived: our Father is not mocked, for whatever a person sows, they will also reap. 8 Whoever sows to his own sinful nature will reap corruption from that nature, but whoever sows to the Holy Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have the chance, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
Boast Only in the Cross
11 See what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to make a good outward impression are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do this only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about what was done to your body. 14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, and to the Israel of our Father. b b v16 Our Father's family: defined by faith in Jesus, not by descent.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. c c v17 Paul's 'marks' are the scars left by beatings and suffering he endured for preaching Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.