As followers of Christ, we have amazing blessings and responsibilities.

I’m not sure that we emphasize the responsibilities as much as the blessings.

I have responsibility for you, but it’s not only in my calling as a pastor. I am called as a believer to care for you and to be a blessing to you.

This is what the Apostle Paul taught the Galatian churches (Galatians 6:1-2, 10).

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. . . . Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. . . . Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

This passage of Scripture is very clear–we have a responsibility as people led by the Spirit to restore those broken by sin and to help carry the heavy burdens many believers face.

What does this teach us?

First, we are all vulnerable to temptation. Our old sinful nature often rears its head. The world, our own flesh, and Satan are constantly seeking to destroy our fellowship with Christ and with other believers. Paul tells us that all of us are vulnerable. Restore others but as you do so recognize that you too are susceptible to sin. “But watch your selves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Second, if someone should be overtaken, Spirit-led believers should do their best to restore (the Greek word means to set a broken bone) that person in a spirit of gentleness. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is gentleness and gentleness should be at the forefront of restoration.

Third, we have a responsibility to shoulder the load of others. Martin Luther said that “Christians must have strong shoulders and mighty bones” which are sturdy enough to help those under the burden.

Fourth, caring for the restoration of others and the loads believers bear is to fulfill the law of Christ. His law is love. When we do something–not just talk about it–we fulfill the royal law to love one another.

While we are to do good to all people, we have a special responsibility toward one another who are a part of God’s house.

Finally, this will be hard work so don’t let yourself become weary in doing good.

As the family of God, this is our calling and our responsibility.