January 5 2015 Bear one anothers burdens Paul writes in Galatians 6:2 “ Bear one anothers burdens , and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. The law of love which is the “Royal Law” James 2:8 “ Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” Jesus said in John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” Jesus then speaks of true love that is seen as one gives his life for another. Our motivation to “Bear the burdens of others” is the love of God that we have experienced through Christ and the change that He has done in us that causes us to love unconditional. There are three areas that todays devotional will cover. Galatians 6:1,2. This scripture is dealing with a person who is “caught” the Greek word is “prolemphthe” and the best translation is “caught by sin.” The thought is someone trying to get away from sin, running for their spiritual life and yet sin overtakes them. Sin catches up to them and pounces. The Burden that is spoken of here is not a specific physical or emotional need, we will address that later, but here we are talking about a burden that is more than a person can carry and they need help. It can be an addiction to a sin. I know that the enemy does not have the ability that God has in knowing all things, but he is a good observer, he knows your weakness and will attack when you are weak. We need to recognize the responsibility God is giving us in bearing such burdens. Each person is ultimately responsible for there own life and their own choice but we must recognize we do have a law from Christ to “Restore” The Greek word is “Katartizete” and is a word used for setting a broken bone and mending a fishing net. Paul writes in Romans 15:1 “We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak.” We are not to despise the weak. How many remember the book that dealt with the Christian church shooting their horses? May we also not despise those in this world who do not know Christ, but may we love and minister to them. Was not Christ called a friend of sinner. He did not condone their life but He showed them a way to the abundant Life He gave. Pray for, council, be an example, do battle for them, teach and disciple them. Mend the broken bones of those who are overcome by sin. We heard something during communion on Sunday. The Pastor made the comment that it was an open communion that you need not be a member of the church to partake. He said that the condition was that Jesus was your Savior. He than said if you do not have a relationship with Christ or if you have ought against your neighbor “ LET THE PLATE PASS” He than said I want you to let the plate pass by and after the service we will have an altar time and that person needed to come up to the altar and He would help them deal with their need. My wife and I looked at each other and both said that is good. Bear their burden!!! There are also burdens that we all can encounter in our lives. Those who are without, without friends, without hope, without food, without home. Jesus said in Luke 6:27 “ But I say to you that listen. Love your enemies , do good to those who hate you bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” I am starting with bearing the burdens of your enemies first. Jesus said in this chapter in verse 32 If we love those who love us, if we give to those we care about (That is a good thing to do) we are doing what those without Christ do. It can be easy to shovel the driveway of your older neighbor who always waves and brings over cookies, but will you do it for the neighbor who throws garbage in your yard? I encourage you take time to slow down and observe needs. People are very good at hiding needs. Often we ask how are you and the response is great but if you saw them at night when the tears cant stop and there is so much hurt and pain and hunger. Some times it may be our time and energy, at times it may be good works doing for others, at times it may be giving money that we are to give. I know there may be times where God is needing to teach them but give unless He says dont give. Dont judge, that is the word found in Luke 6. Bear the burdens of those in need. I want to end on this. Bear the burdens of those in spiritual authority over you. I have pastored and I know many Pastors and one of the things they will say is it is hard to have friends. We have been taught that you cant be vulnerable you cant have friends because you might give a wrong impression so they carry a burden and do so in loneliness. Where are those who will stand next to them and hold up their arms when they are weak. Bring a word of encouragement. As God speaks to you about ministry let them know your willingness to stand with the church and give of yourself. One last word. Do not look at those around you as a ministry. God has brought us into a family. Love , Love Love. I think of the elders of the Ephesian Church. When Paul was leaving them the Bible tells us they grabbed him by the neck and kissed him and cried that he had to go. May we get to know one another May we care, May we love. May we Bear the Burden!!!
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 11:43:28 +0000
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