BE A BURDEN BEARER

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NKJV

     If you read verse 1 you can see a tie in to this 2^nd verse.  People get caught up in sin all the time; believers are certainly not exempt from this either.  Temptations abound and it is the strong willed follower of Christ who can withstand it and remain pure.  However, if someone succumbs to the pressure caused by temptation we who live by the Spirit are to support, encourage and pray for that person, whether they know the Lord or not.  Chastising them does nothing positive for the situation they have brought on themselves.  They need to be loved.  That is what fulfills Christ’s law for His law is one of love.  “This includes loving, not only one’s neighbor (5:14; Matt. 22:39), but one’s enemy as well (Matt. 5:43), with God’s love as the model.”¹

     When a person falls into temptation the burden they carry is far greater than their ability to carry it. This is what we are supposed to do for them; help them with their burden.  If they are a believer, help them find their way back to the narrow path they wandered off of.  Pray with them and for them.  Gently correct them in the error of their ways. Temptations always seem so awesome when they first draw you in; however, the devil has a lengthy track record of never delivering on his promises. God never fails and He will never, ever turn His back on you no matter what you say or do.  Forgiveness isn’t for those we deem worthy; forgiveness is for anyone who calls out for it in the name of Jesus.  God loves even the vilest person on the face of the earth and the offer of forgiveness is extended to him as well. 

     We must put our prejudices aside and embrace those in need of God’s love regardless of who they are.  What if God chose not to forgive you?  Think about that.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource:  The Reformation Study Bible. 

Galatians 5:14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[Leviticus 19:18 – “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.]