Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
The other day, one of my friends in my small group texted me, letting me know that she was going to the grocery store and was willing to pick up a few groceries at the store in case I needed them. I was blown away by her kindness. You see, during this time, the entire nation is trying to stay inside to stop the spread of the coronavirus as best as we are able. It is a lonely time for me. Simply by thinking of picking up a few groceries for me, my small group friend reminded me that I am not alone. At the same time, thinking of how she could serve others reminded my friend that she is not alone either. When we feel lonely, one of the best things we can do is reach out and serve other people. We are going to see this from Scripture today as we read from the book of Galatians.
Paul encourages believers in Galatians chapter 6 to serve those around us. "Share each other's burdens,' he writes, "and in this way obey the law of Christ" (verse 2). According to this verse, sharing each other's burdens equates to obeying Christ. With that logic, it stands to reason that to not share each other's burdens is to disobey the law of Christ. This is the beauty of the Body of Christ. Christ calls us to take care of each other. When you are limping, your brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ are there to help you stay steady. On the flip side, you are also called to be there for your friend who is hurting. In doing this, you are demonstrating Christ's love for them.
There is something interesting that happens when we take care of someone else: loneliness begins to fade. You see, as you start thinking of other people and their needs, you start to realize that you are not as alone as you thought as you shift your focus off of yourself to someone else. Reach out to someone in need today.
Are you feeling lonely today? Serve someone else. Think of one person in need right now, and serve them. Let them know that they are not alone. As you do this, you will start to feel a little less lonely as you think about the needs of your friend.
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. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
