Sowing and Reaping (Galatians 6)

Scripture reading – Galatians 6

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Galatians 6

Galatians 6 is a practical passage that requires little commentary. This Bible study will focus on Galatians 6:1-10. We will see Paul urging the believers in Galatia to be faithful and compassionate toward others, especially fellow believers.

Restoring Sinning Believers (Galatians 6:1)

Paul urged spiritually minded believers to be gracious and patient with those overcome by the temptation to sin (Galatians 6:1). Rather than the spirit of judgment too often seen in churches today, Paul encouraged “spiritual” believers to address another’s fault with a “spirit of meekness” (Galatians 6:1b).

The purpose of going to a sinning believer is not to judge or condemn them but to help them be restored to the fellowship of believers (Galatians 6:1b). To prevent a believer from being harsh or judgmental, Paul urged, “considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Loving Encouragement (Galatians 6:2)

Restoring a backslidden believer is done with a spirit of meekness (Galatians 6:1) and as a labor of love. Paul writes, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The word “bear” indicates the need to come alongside a faltering believer and steady them after a stumble. We must do this with patience, love, and compassion, for love fulfills “the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2b).

What is the “law of Christ?”

It is the sum of all the commandments governing man’s relationship to man, expressed in one directive: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18; Galatians 5:14).

Jesus quoted Leviticus when He answered the rich young ruler, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 19:19). When He was questioned near the end of His earthly ministry, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36), Jesus answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

A Call to Humility and Self-examination (Galatians 6:3-5)

Because human nature is prone to pride, harshness, and judgment, Paul admonished the Galatian believers, “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3). When you have a proper perspective on who you are, you come to accept that you are nothing apart from Christ and His righteousness. After all, pride and self-righteousness have no place in the fellowship of believers.

How can believers avoid pride and a spirit of judgment? Paul exhorted, “Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:4-5).

We need to examine ourselves rather than compare ourselves to others, for those who do so “are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).

The Duty of Believers to Support Those Who Minister (Galatians 6:6-8)

Continuing the practical application of his epistle, Paul challenged believers to remember those who taught the Word and to “communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6). To “communicate” means to share financially in the support of those who have dedicated their lives to instructing believers in the spiritual truths and moral principles of God’s Word (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Timothy 5:17).

Within the context of supporting faithful teachers, Paul taught the spiritual principle known as “Sowing and Reaping” (Galatians 6:7-9). Unfortunately, those verses are seldom taught in their context. Notice what Paul wrote: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. ⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Believers are obligated to support those who minister and teach them God’s Word (Galatians 6:6). Consider a lesson from the farm: a farmer knows he will reap what he sows (i.e., sow wheat, harvest wheat; the more you sow, the more you reap).

The same principle applies to spiritual teachers and those they teach. As a believer sows (in this context, by supporting those who minister the Word), he will reap (Galatians 6:7). Sow to the Spirit, and you will “of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:8).

Closing Promise (Galatians 6:9)

We conclude our devotional commentary with Paul’s exhortation: “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). The promise of the harvest encourages the farmer to labor long hours in his field.

Likewise, the spiritual promise of reaping “if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9b) encourages and stirs hope. When the time is right, faithful believers will reap eternal rewards. Don’t give up!

Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith 

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