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 6:3

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"For if a man thinketh himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." Here again he reflects on their arrogance. He that thinks himself to be something is nothing, and exhibits at the outset a proof of his worthlessness by such a disposition.

Homily on Galatians 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Again he overthrows pride here, showing that the one who considers himself to be something is nothing, and by this very opinion proves his own nothingness, and deceives not anyone else, but himself.

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Oecumenius

"For if anyone seems to himself to be something," that alone is nothing of what he appears to be. Therefore he is deceiving himself in nothing. — [PHOTIUS] "he deceives his own mind." For if anyone were to approve his own work, and to examine himself exactly, he would have his boasting rather in himself and not against another; that is, he would have boasting against himself, or he would condemn himself, and not another: that is, seeing himself inferior and needy, he will accuse himself, and refrain from condemning others, since he …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

For if anyone thinks that they are something when they are nothing, they deceive themselves. If anyone does not want to bear the burdens of others, and is merciless, satisfied only with their own work and virtue, not seeking what is of others but what is their own, that is, a lover only of themselves and not of God, they deceive themselves. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

The obstacle to fulfilling the above admonition is pride. And to exclude this he says, "For if any man think himself to be something, whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." He says therefore: Do as I say. But it sometimes happens that one does not carry another's burdens, because he prefers himself to others. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Bernard of Clairvaux

For the foolish woman believed him who promised, but who was deceiving: "You shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Had he not already first deceived himself, he who had persuaded himself that he would be like the Most High? For he who thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, deceives himself.

Sermons on the Song of Songs, Sermon 69 ↗