Who Has Bewitched You?

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)

It's interesting to read about our history and learn about the work done to establish these United States. From a declaration in which we severed our relationship with the crown, to our war to gain that independence, to the establishment of a new government and to the work done to keep the interest in the minds and on the forefront of people's thoughts. I'm guessing people went about their daily lives not giving it much thought unless it impacted them directly, like a battle fought on your land, or a debate that might impact your way of living immediately. There was loyalty to the cause and loyalty to the crown.

Paul deals with something similar as he teaches. Galatia is one such example. They have fallen back or been taught something different.

Paul ends his letter to the Galatians in an interesting manner. Up until this point, it has been one long correction, the tone of which was set early: "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel." (1:6) Teaching is a frustrating job, and the learner can quickly return to what they previously believed or knew, much like those in these United States as it sought to break away from England. Paul makes it sound as though he'd just walked out the door, when they went back or turned to a teaching that was aligned with what they once believed, or worse, they were deceived.

Rarely does a teacher use harsh language to someone who doesn't get it, but Paul does: "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?" Paul is making a point using somewhat harsh terms.

At the end, he's telling the congregation how to reteach. How to take the learner and guide him back to the truth. "Any transgression" means just that, any act, thought, or deed. Any means any. It can be a poor teaching they adhere to. It can be a violation of God's commandment. Paul uses people he trusts to stay in the congregation and to communicate how they are doing, to which he writes to correct and emphasize doctrine and how to function as a new body of believers.

"You who are spiritual" means those who are mature in the faith. They are to take the transgressor and to gently guide them back to the truth, using Christ's law. What law is that? To love one another. To love your neighbor as yourself. "Bear one another's burdens." Remember, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (1 John). A burden may not be a sin, but remember from whence you came. Loss of a loved one. Loss of income due to illness or being laid off. Help around the house. We all struggle from time to time, so bear that burden as a family of God.

How do we do this today? How do we admonish or turn the eyes of the transgressor back? Do we do so gently? How do we bear one another's burdens? Prayer, actual help and work?

Pray we are there for each other. Pray we are available when help is needed and that the Spirit of God give us guidance to help the transgressor.