April 3, 2023
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Thought:
The legalist is not interested in bearing burdens. Instead, he adds to the burdens of others (Acts 15:10). This was one of the sins of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day: “They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden” (Matthew 23:4). The legalist is always harder on other people than he is on himself, but the Spirit-led Christian demands more of himself than he does of others.
Paul is concluding his letter to the Galatian churches by showing that when people try to live by the law, it prompts them to compare and compete with others. However, when they embrace grace, it results in becoming a compassionate gospel community. In other words, life in Christ by the power of God's Spirit is not meant to be lived alone but in a family of believers. Life is a team sport! While we don’t want to impose rules on one another, we do want to encourage one another to mature, to set aside the flesh and all its toxic outcomes, and to walk in the Spirit. Why? Because this fulfills the law of Christ! This is one way that people will clearly see and experience the love of Christ lived out - as the local church restores and carries each other’s burdens.
Application:
1. What are the dangers of trying to carry your heavy burdens alone?
2. Ask God to show you someone who is struggling to manage a heavy burden that you can help shoulder. You may need to consider carefully some sacrifices you can make without neglecting your own responsibilities.
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