Galatians 6:2

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Thursday, 9 June 2016

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

In this verse, the stress is on the words “one another’s.” Paul is highlighting the mutual relationship which was noted in the previous verse. When a brother falls, we should be there to gently restore them, just as they will – most probably – have to gently restore us when we face temptation and fail. When they are weak, we are to be strong; when we fall, they are to be there to restore us to a right walk. Paul noted this in the book of Romans as well –

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1

This is what we are called to do because Christ Himself first bore our burdens. Further, as our High Priest, He continues to bear our failings before the Father, making intercession for us. It is in our acting in this manner of bearing one another’s burdens that Paul says we will “so fulfill the law of Christ.” The law of Christ is superior to the Law of Moses in this regard. The Law of Moses was of stern discipline; the law of Christ is that of grace and mercy.

The display of these attributes results in love for one another. And this is exactly what Christ commanded us to observe –

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:3, 35

Life application: It is incumbent on us to restore those around us who demonstrate failings in their Christian walk. In our bearing their burdens, the law of Christ finds its fullness in such dealings with one another.

Lord God, how easy it is to tear others down when they stumble and fall in their walk. And how easy it is when someone disagrees on a minor point of doctrine to completely divide the fellowship that once existed between the two. How perverse we are to ignore Your word which asks us to bear one another’s burdens and to have love for one another. Forgive us of our arrogance and help us to work together in harmony as we walk in this often difficult path of life. Amen.

 

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