Galatians 6:1-10 Do good to all

We are going to talk about some more great inspiration from the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6.  He challenges us in verse 10 to do good to all people.  That is a great goal to reach for as we set the tone for a new year.  Let’s take a closer look at who the all people are that Paul is talking about. 
Paul talks about the one caught in sin as one of the who we should do good to.  I have heard the allegation a few times in my life and ministry that the church shoots it wounded. That is a sad allegation.  I do not deny that may happen.  Paul is encouraging the opposite, to restore, to mend, to fix back up gently.  There are a few things that we should not do in the process.  We should not diminish the seriousness of the sin. We need to be like Jesus, easy on condemnation but firm with the understanding that sinning must not continue.  Remember what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery.  “Neither do I condemn you," but He quickly added "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11).  more" (John 8:11).  We must avoid the temptation to witch-hunt.  We should not be quick to cast judgment.   There are a few things that we should do.  Face the facts:  don’t face the rumors or the gossip. We need to watch our attitudes and motives.  We need to seek to "restore" him. The word for restore is the same used for "mending nets" or for a surgeon "setting a dislocated bone." Restoration means becoming my brother’s "repairman." We are to get involved in helping the Christian to his feet again, putting him back where he belongs.
Paul encourages us to do good to the one that we identify the most with, ourselves.  We can not ignore ourselves.  We need to watch ourselves that we do not fall into temptation.  We dare not get caught up with mending our brother and sister that we forget to keep our heart healthy.  We need to  watch ourselves for Pride.  Verse 3 “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”  A part of looking out for ourselves Paul says is not comparing ourselves to others.  Comparing opens the door for unnecessary challenges. 
The third person Paul encourages us to do to is the person with a burden.  We often times use this verse to encourage helping everyone with a burden.  There is not a problem with that application.  The context connects the burdens to the sin.  We certainly understand that sin causes burdens.  It brings burdens upon ourselves and our families.  And as a brother I should do my part to ease the burden that sin has brought to you and your family.  Is ones sin causing pain for his family as a brother in Christ I should help his family through the pain.  In doing so we will be fulfilling the law of Christ.  Remember 5:14  the single command of the law is to love you neighbor as yourself. 
The last person that Paul encourages us to do good to is the one who is a blessing to us.  In verse 6  we read “returning good to the one who was good to you.  The idea of the apple for the teacher came from the apostle Paul.  A thank you goes a long way.  You have been good to me.  I want to do something good in return to you. I encourage you to continue to follow the advise of Paul as we continue to set the tone for this new year. Do good to all.