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 6:8

Eastern Fathers

Oecumenius

"for the one who sows to his own flesh." What, then, does one sow in the flesh? Drunkenness, corruption, gluttony, wastefulness. Such a person, from the flesh, that is, on account of the defective flesh, will receive a punishment there. But "to his own flesh" means through the sins sown in the flesh. "But the one who sows to the Spirit." What does it mean to sow to the Holy Spirit? What else but almsgiving, and self-discipline, and every virtue? …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Clement of Alexandria

"Why call ye me Lord, Lord," He says, "and do not the things which I say?" For "the people that loveth with their lips, but have their heart far away from the Lord," is another people, and trust in another, and have willingly sold themselves to another; but those who perform the commandments of the Lord, in every action "testify," by doing what He wishes, and consistently naming the Lord's name; and "testifying" by deed to Him in whom they trust, that they are those "who have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts." "If …

The Stromata Book 4 ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

For he who sows in his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But he who sows in the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Everything we speak, do, and think is sown in two fields, the flesh and the Spirit. If the things that are spoken, done, and thought are good, sown in the Spirit, they will abound with the fruits of eternal life. But if they are evil, taken from the field of the flesh, they will produce for us a harvest of corruption. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

He assigns the reason for this, saying, "For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap." He says therefore with respect to the first explanation: Surely you err in believing this, because God will render to each one according to his own merits: "For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap," i.e., he will be rewarded or punished according to his works, be they good or evil, great or small. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Bonaventure

Against conjugal chastity it is objected: Galatians 6: He who sows in the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption: but sowing in the flesh is done through the act of conjugal continence: therefore conjugal continence is contrary to the law of God. …

Disputed Questions on Evangelical Perfection, Question 3 ↗