Pastor Rusty Milton
Galatians 6:1-3 ESV

What if someone who has the Spirit gets entrapped and ensnared by sin? What's needed is for another believer to walk beside them, and help them bear their burden. This requires boldness in restoring others, and great humility--recognizing we are incapable of truly helping others without God, his grace, and his Spirit. 

Spiritual boldness (v. 1-2) necessitates walking in the Spirit and exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. Such brothers and sisters are to correct and restore those who are ensnared by sin in all meekness and gentleness. Gentleness is the grace that breaks up the hard soil of the heart, and makes it prepared to receive the truths of the scripture. We should, therefore, first examine ourselves prior to confronting others. If our hearts are not right, we should wait.

If the Lord does direct us to confront someone, we must do so in all humility. (v. 2-3). But it doesn't stop there. Those who are entrapped need someone to step into their lives and walk along side there, helping to bear their burden. This might be by sharing money, time, or other resources. 

How do we apply this to our daily lives? First, as Christians, God gives us eyes to see people's needs. He gives us the Spirit so that we might restore them, and bear their burdens in the process. Correcting and restoring others is not a one time act. It is a long term commitment. Second, we must be willing to admit when we, ourselves, are ensnared by sin and cannot bear our burdens alone. We must be willing to share our hearts and failings with other believers. Third, we are not inferior OR superior to anyone else. If God uses you to restore many, don't be deceived: you are not superior spiritually. Your ability to minister to others is nothing by itself. It is the Spirit of the Lord working through you. Conversely, if you are struggling, don't be deceived: you are not inferior in God's kingdom. You have the same spirit and are clothed in the same righteousness of Christ, saved only by grace and faith in Christ.

Bear One Another's Burdens

6 Brothers,[a] if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.