Galatians 6:3—“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.”

Pride is a subtle and dangerous form of self-deception. A person may imagine himself spiritually superior to others, yet fail to recognise the sinfulness and weakness of his own heart. Paul warns that such a person deceives himself.

This warning follows the apostle’s instruction to restore a fallen brother “in the spirit of meekness” (v. 1) and to “bear ye one another’s burdens” (v. 2). An inflated opinion of ourselves makes us reluctant to do either. We may condemn those who stumble, as though we could never fall, or consider their burdens beneath our attention.

When Paul speaks of a man who thinks himself “to be something, when he is nothing”, he exposes the emptiness of self-importance. He does not deny that God has given His people gifts and responsibilities. Rather, he confronts the pride that claims credit for them and looks down upon others. Whatever grace or ability we possess comes from God. As Paul asks elsewhere, “what hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Pride blinds us to our need for Christ and hinders our service to His people. The Gospel humbles us, for we are sinners saved by grace, not by our own merit (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Let us therefore examine ourselves honestly before God. When a brother falls or struggles, do we stand at a distance in judgment, or draw near in humble love? Remembering our own dependence upon the Lord, let us gently restore the fallen and willingly help those who are burdened.