Stay on Track! Paul's Letter to the GalatiansIsampula

Don't put yourself in God's place

“Let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

These verses seem to contradict Paul's call to bear one another's burdens. If we read carefully, the two statements complement each other.

While It is important to restore fellow believers when they have committed a transgression, we are not to do so with a judgmental attitude. It is not our job to judge another person and elevate ourselves above them. Rather, we must test our actions. That is what we are responsible for!

The same theme is also described in the letter to the Romans, where Paul asks his readers, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Romans 14:10) The judgment of each person's life is up to God alone.

It is not always easy to distinguish between meddling and genuine concern, or between condemnation and necessary reproof. We need the “spiritual attitude” that Paul mentions in verse 1.

Our intentions are crucial here. Are we addressing someone because we are concerned for their spiritual well-being or do we address another person's sin to make ourselves feel better?

Have you ever been confronted about your behavior by other Christians? Was it done lovingly or with judgment?