Fathers

Galatians 6

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Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each man examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast in himself, and not in someone else. For each man will bear his own burden. But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith. See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised; just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even they who receive circumcision don’t keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel. From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Galatians 6:10

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

Just as it is not always convenient to sow, so too with performing works of mercy, as both the virgins and Lazarus show. Therefore, while we have time in this life, let us do good—that is, kindness and mercy—not only to teachers, but also to Greeks and Jews. Of course, assistance should not be rendered to these latter in the same measure as to fellow believers, but greater generosity should be shown to the faithful. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Oecumenius

"as we have opportunity." For in this life, the opportunity is for work; there it is no longer. "let us do good to all people." Toward Jews, toward Greeks, and especially toward the faithful.

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Cyprian

And therefore, dearest brethren, whose fear is inclined towards God, and who having already despised and trampled under foot the world, have lifted up your mind to things heavenly and divine, let us with full faith, with devoted mind, with continual labour, give our obedience, to deserve well of the Lord. Let us give to Christ earthly garments, that we may receive heavenly raiment; let us give food and drink of this world, that we may come with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob to the heavenly banquet. …

Treatise VIII. On Works and Alms. ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

Therefore, while we have time, let us do good to all, especially to those who belong to the family of faith. It is the time of sowing, as we have said, the present time, and the lifespan we are running. In this life, we are allowed to sow what we desire; when this life passes, the time for action is taken away. Thus, the Savior says: Work while it is day; night is coming when no one can work (John 9:4). The word of God has risen for us, the true sun, and the beasts have returned to their dens. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, "Whilst we have time, let us work good to all men," he advises everyone to minister, saying: Since we shall reap, not failing, then "whilst we have time", i.e., in this life, which is the time for sowing: "I must work the works of him that sent me, whilst it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (Jn 9:4); "Whatsoever thy hand is able to do, do it earnestly; for neither work nor reason nor wisdom nor knowledge shall be in hell whither thou art hastening" (Sir 9:10). …

Commentary on Galatians ↗