Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
This sounds easy, but is not always so. In our culture (and especially in New England) we are encouraged to be self-sufficient and independent. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all more naturally asked for help, and more easily took on burdens for others? It is so rewarding and such a beautiful thing when we are actually allowed to help someone. Yet for some reason when others ask us if we need help, we say, “No thanks, I’m good!” And on the flip side, when we offer our help and are turned down, it doesn’t feel that great. It is for both the giver and the receiver that God asks us to take care of each other. Love flows in both directions.
Holy Lord, help me to see opportunities to reach out to others. May I lighten someone’s burden today. Amen
Becky, transforming
Galatians 6:2
From Genesis through Revelation an overarching theme in Scripture is love of God and love of neighbor, Bearing one another’s burdens fulfills both. This verse makes clear that we demonstrate our love of God when we love our neighbor. Sometimes that can be as simple as offering a sympathetic listening ear. I am learning that this weekend as I attend my fiftieth year high school reunion and catching up with so many of my classmates. There are stories of both joy and sorrow and sharing in them demonstrates to God celebratory thanksgiving and sober burden-bearing. As I see it, all of it fulfills the law of Christ.
Prayer - God of past, present and future, I give thanks…
Galatians 6:2
When someone offers you help and your response is “no thanks, I can do it,” you are really denying that person the opportunity to do what God wants us to do. That was pointed out to me a few years ago and I’ll always remember it! When someone wants to help—give them that opportunity.
Prayer: Gracious God, this verse is a great reminder to both offer and accept help. Amen
Friday, August 9th, 2024
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
The challenge for me to truly bear another’s burden cost me a get deal along the way. I was willing to bear this burden even when it got too costly for me. I had to make the decision to cease sending money as it took me out of my comfort zone and got overwhelming. Many of us like the idea of bearing a burden, but we don’t like the reality of actually doing it. We offer empty words such as, Let me know how I can help, but fail to complete the offer,not understanding its true meaning. generosity requires sacrifice. Generosity says, I…