Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Paul has given his theological basis for how the Galatians should live. In the final chapter of the letter, he turns to practical matters that affect any church but especially the situation in Galatia. He uses direct address, which is inclusive of all believers. One way to express the love of ch. 5 is to make sure other believers are growing as they should. If someone is caught in a sin, that person needs special attention and care in order to return to spiritual health. The word caught has a sense of surprise or trap. Sin is not always easy to see, especially if it is clouded by culture or mixed up priorities. We may not always be aware that our actions are actually hurting us.
Those who are spiritual can provide an outsider’s perspective and help us see our sins. Being spiritual comes by walking with the Spirit. The Spirit is behind the discernment about which this verse speaks. Since Paul has just mentioned love and fruit, these qualities will help the spiritual person restore the sinner in a spirit of gentleness. Gentleness can also be translated as humility. Helping another person requires much prayer and then coming with a humble demeanor. Any hint of pride or arrogance for being “spiritual” can be felt by the sinner who may instantly put up a wall. Any assistance the spiritual person gives can be instantly lost.
Certain sins can be contagious, especially the many “works of the flesh” of 5:19-21. Paul warns the spiritually mature among the Galatians about correcting other people because they may be tempted to sin. Paul does not say what the temptation is in this verse, but v. 3 suggests that the temptation is pride. Spiritual pride can creep in when a person tries to correct another person. Pride can grow and lead to other sins. That is why everything must be done in humility and selfless love.
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