Bear One Another’s Burdens

6 My brothers and sisters, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. ² Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill^[a] the law of Christ.^{(A) 3} For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.^{(B) 4} All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride.^{(C) 5} For all must carry their own loads.

⁶ Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.^(D)

⁷ Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.^{(E) 8} If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.^{(F) 9} So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.^{(G) 10} So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.^(H)

Ananias and Sapphira

5 But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; ² with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.^{(A) 3} “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land?^{(B) 4} While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us^[a] but to God!” ⁵ Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. ⁶ The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him.^(C)

⁷ After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” ⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”^{(D) 10} Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things.^(E)