What does the phrase “I’ve got your back” mean to you? To a policeman or a soldier it obviously means “I’m here to protect you” or “I’m on guard against any bad that could happen to you.” That’s probably what it means to most of us.
In the following passage, I believe Paul had this in mind. We as Christians should be “looking out” for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Common sense tells us that there are circumstances where I (for example) may not be able to help someone, but another Christian can. If you qualify as one who can help, the Lord will lead you to that person. When another brother or sister comes along that I am able to help, the Lord will bring us together. The main thing for each of us is to be ready and to be willing.
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1
This can be a very touchy situation. The first question that comes to mind is, “Am I going to appear “holier than thou” by getting involved?” First of all, let us not have that attitude toward any brother or sister in Christ.
The Lord knows the right person to send to help another believer, and He knows how to “open the door.” He also knows the perfect time to bring the two together. Again, let us be willing and ready.
The most important phrase in this verse is “in the spirit of meekness.” If we are condescending toward another instead of loving and gentle, we are the one who needs help from someone else.
Then we are warned to be careful that we are of the right mind and to beware of any temptation that could befall us.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
“Bear ye” in this verse is saying to pick up with the hands and carry with endurance. So we would pick up our brother’s load as Simon of Cyrene (Luke 23:26) picked up Christ’s load, the cross, and carried it for Him.
The Greek word for “burdens” in this verse is baros, meaning a burdensome or extra heavy load. These loads represent problems folks really have a hard time dealing with.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Galatians 6:3)
It is unfortunate that some Christians would even think this of themselves. I’ll say more about this later.
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. (Galatians 6:4)
We each should check ourselves to be sure we are right with God, and if we are, then we can boast in Christ for what God has done.
For every man shall bear his own burden. (Galatians 6:5)
The word for “burden” in this closing statement is different than the one used in verse two. The Greek word for burden here is phorlion and it means, “of the obligations Christ lays upon his followers, and styles a “burden” by way of the contrast to the precepts of the Pharisees, the observance of which was most oppressive.” In other words, this is a lighter load, comparing the light load Jesus lays on us to serve Him to the heavy load of the Pharisees’ legal requirements.
Now I would like to provide this same passage again, but in another version that is easier for all to understand.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” (Galatians 6:1-5 NIV)
Now referring back to verse two above, I’ve noticed over a period of many years some Christians who think somewhat highly of themselves and are not very loving toward other brothers and sisters in Christ.
These good folks have the attitude that if they go to church, don’t smoke, don’t drink, have not been divorced, and don’t ‘cuss,’ they are great Christians, but those who are not in this category … not so much.
I’ve seen these same people, who are supposed to be representing Christ treat other Christians (who don’t meet their standards) very unkindly. This brings me back to the heading of this article, “I’ve Got Your Back.”
In the Galatians passage we quickly looked at, the Lord is showing us the true meaning of “I’ve got your back.” This is love in action for our siblings in Christ.
How can we say Jesus Christ is our Lord and treat any of our Christian family badly? It never ceases to amaze me at just how cruel some church people can be toward others. Just this week some Christians in the work place have caused much grief to a fellow Christian employee. Galatians 6:3 leaps off the page.
We need to be very careful in how we treat others, especially a fellow Christian. We are all a part of the bride of Christ, and it really makes us look bad to a sin sick world when we don’t show the love of Christ in our actions. No wonder a lost world calls us hypocrites.
Let each of us carefully consider Galatians 6:4 and Psalm 139:23-24 (shown below). Let us not give Satan any victory in our lives, but hold each other up. Let us be able to honestly say, “I’ve got your back” and not stab them in the back instead.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
Grant Phillips
Email: grantphillips@windstream.net
Pre-Rapture Commentary: http://grant-phillips.blogspot.com
Rapture Ready: https://www.raptureready.com/featured/phillips/phillips.html