The components of the fruit of the Spirit are three-dimensional
in effect. It has a God-ward, a man-ward and a self-ward dimension. In relating
with God are love, joy and peace. In relating with man are patience, kindness
and goodness. And in relating to self are faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. When we follow the dictates of the Spirit, it would ensure a
healthy relation in all three dimensions. In this segment of the Scriptures,
Paul was dealing with the second dimension, the interpersonal relationships
within the fellowship.
In Galatians 5:26, he started by dealing with how
believers should not act in their relationship with each other. First, he must
not be boastful; then he must not be provocative, challenging others; and he
must also not be envious of others. Practicing these three conducts will help others
not to keep themselves away from you. These, plus the way believers treat each
other described in Galatians 6:1-4, will further enhance meaningful
relationship.
In verse 2, he said believers ought to bear the
burden of another, and in so doing fulfill the Law of Christ (Galatians 5:14),
which is the Law of love. But how does a believer exercise love through a caring
relationship? There are four things Paul pointed out here for an effective and
healthy interpersonal relationship. In Galatians 6:1 he encouraged believers to
have an attitude that seeks to restore, not to destroy. In Galatians 6:2, he
told believers to have a gentle spirit when dealing with others. In Galatians
6:3, he suggests that believers ought to have a proper estimation of themselves.
Then in Galatians 6:4-5, he advocated that believers must have a proper
evaluation of their own ability for each will have to bear his own load. This make
sense, because when this happens, others will not be burdened unnecessarily. If
we take Paul’s instructions here seriously, we will have elements in our lives
to help us develop a healthy relationship with others. We should go for it!
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