26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. 1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Though these verses cross the chapter boundaries in our English Bibles, the ancient manuscripts did not divide the New Testament documents into chapters and verses. These divisions were added much later by copyists as a convenient method for consistently identifying Scripture passages. This is one place where the chapter division seems out of place. Thematically, verse 26 of chapter 5 really goes with verse 1 of chapter 6, and begins the application of the truth Paul has been propounding in chapters 3 and 4.
How does the gospel of grace affect relationships in conflict? The fleshly response is one of competition characterized by proud boasting, one-upmanship—external actions motivated by inner envy. Isn’t life filled with such relationships? Consider how much of our thought life and conversation is taken up with people and their problems or our problems with them. The person who lives his life in relationship with God based on the legal requirements of spirituality, tends to measure himself by other people—which begs for comparisons. This affects his attitudes and behavior when others oppose him or are perceived to be “better” than him. How often do we see other people’s faults and tend to exalt ourselves as being superior? It may be a look, a snide comment, or a judgmental attitude—but the heart of the matter is self-centeredness.
In contrast with such fleshly attitudes and behavior, Paul challenges us to rise above that fray. He strikes a gentle, familial tone with the use of the term “brethren.” This is family business! He is talking with fellow Christians, those who have been called to the freedom of grace (Galatians 5:13) from fleshly living by the Law and the comparisons it engenders. Where there is conflict, there is a better way, the way of grace living!
How do we then deal with a Christian who is acting out sub-Christlike behavior, here termed as a trespass? Paul appeals to true spiritual-mindedness. Our goal is not self-centered comparisons or to bring judgment on the fallen brother. Our goal should be to help him regain his spiritual vitality. There is a genuine humbleness in this, recognizing that we all are tempted and we all can fail. We should have the attitude portrayed by the modern proverb, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.”
Father, it is true, I sometimes act out sub-Christlike behavior. Help me to be gracious to others when they fall, so that we can help each other walk in grace.
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