Matthew Henry Commentary Galatians 6

We are to bear one another's burdens. In this way, we will fulfill the law of Christ. This obliges us to mutual forbearance and compassion towards each other, according to His example. It is fitting for us to bear one another's burdens, as fellow travelers. It is very common for someone to consider himself wiser and better than others, and as qualified to dictate to them.

Such a person deceives himself; by pretending to what he does not have, he fools himself, and sooner or later will discover the sad consequences. This will never gain esteem, either with God or with people. Everyone is advised to test his own work. The better we know our own hearts and ways, the less we will despise others, and the more we will be disposed to help them in their infirmities and afflictions.

However light people's sins may seem to them when committed, they will still be found a heavy burden when they must give an account to God for them. No one can pay a ransom for his brother; and sin is a burden to the soul. It is a spiritual burden, and the less a person feels it to be such, the more reason he has to suspect himself.

Most people are dead in their sins and therefore have no sight or sense of the spiritual burden of sin. Feeling the weight and burden of our sins, we must seek to be relieved of it by the Savior and be warned against every sin.

Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show and profess it. They may deceive others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to deceive God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seedtime; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now.

As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our lifetime, and make this the business of our lives, especially when fresh opportunities arise and as far as our ability allows.

Proud, vain, and carnal hearts are content with just enough religion to help them maintain a respectable appearance. But the apostle professes his own faith, hope, and joy, and declares that his principal glory was in the cross of Christ. This cross refers to Christ's sufferings and death on the cross—the doctrine of salvation by a crucified Redeemer. Through Christ, or by the cross of Christ, the world is crucified to the believer, and the believer to the world.

The more we consider the Redeemer's sufferings from the world, the less likely we are to love the world. The apostle was as little affected by its charms as an observer would be by anything that had once been graceful in the face of a crucified person, upon seeing it blackened in the agonies of death. He was no more affected by the objects around him than one who is dying would be struck by any of the views their expiring eyes might see from the cross on which they hung.

And for those who have truly believed in Christ Jesus, all other things are counted as utterly worthless compared to him. There is a new creation; old things are passed away, and new perspectives and attitudes are brought about by the regenerating influences of God the Holy Spirit.

Believers are brought into a new world and, being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, are formed for a life of holiness. It is a change of mind and heart by which we are enabled to believe in the Lord Jesus and to live for God. Where this inward, practical religion is lacking, outward professions or names will be of no avail.

A new creation in the image of Christ, demonstrating faith in him, is the greatest distinction between one person and another, and a blessing is declared on all who walk according to this rule. The blessings are peace and mercy. Peace with God and our conscience, and all the comforts of this life, as far as they are necessary. And mercy, an interest in the free love and favour of God in Christ, the spring and fountain of all other blessings.

The written word of God is the rule we are to follow, both in its doctrines and precepts. May his grace always be with our spirit, to sanctify, enliven, and encourage us, and may we always be ready to maintain the honour of that which is indeed our life. The apostle had in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus, the scars of wounds from persecuting enemies, for his faithfulness to Christ and the doctrine of the gospel.

The apostle calls the Galatians his brothers; by this he shows his humility and his tender affection for them. And he takes his leave with a very serious prayer that they might enjoy the favour of Christ Jesus, both in its effects and in its evidences. We need desire nothing more to make us happy than the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle does not pray that the law of Moses, or the righteousness of works, but that the grace of Christ, might be with them; that it might be in their hearts and with their spirits, enlivening, comforting, and strengthening them. To all of which he adds his Amen, signifying his desire that it might be so, and his faith that it would be so.