Repeated phrases:
(1) Caring for another v.1-2
a. Continue from chapter 5, the topic of overpowered by sin brought up again in 6:1a.
6:1a Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness
(BDAG)[discover] to ascertain someth. by surprise, detect, overtake, surprise...running down [by] a boar...
The remedy for that came from another believers, those who are spiritual v.1b. Perhaps the Christian fellowship is more important that we realized. Also, our sanctification is not just for ourselves. When we are spiritual we can help others.
b1. The restoration of the sinful believers should be done in a spirit of gentleness v.1-4.
Gentleness is one of the fruit of the spirit in 5:22-23.
(BDAG) the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness, meekness...
Supposedly I am the spiritual believer and I saw a brother or sister caught up by sin, then I have to help that b/s in a manner that is not to show off myself, but with considerations. Save their faces.
b2. It will be surprising to see that "spiritual believer" not helping others in a gentle manner, but in a way that he "thinks he is something" v.3.
6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
They are not really "spiritual believers," but just someone who deceive themselves.
The remedy of this attitude is by truefully examining ourselves v.4. Then we can see in what areas that God has given us strength and we did well. It is not done in a manner of comparing ourselves to other people and feel prideful. Because we each have our own burden to bear v.5.
I was tempted to think that I am doing better when compared with other people. We love to compare with others. When we were young, we compared our appearance. Then we compare our accomplishments. We even compare the blessings that God gave us.
This passage reminds me to "examine [my] own work!" Look at what God has given me only, not comparing with others.
Audrey
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