August 11, 2017

Bearing Burdens

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For each one shall bear his own load.”  Gal. 6:1-5

We find in this passage very specific guidance on how to deal with others and ourselves as it relates to sin.  Paul is stating when we see someone else struggling with sin, the first thing we need to do is “consider ourselves.”  Are we in a place of spiritual health and maturity to be able to lovingly and gently restore our brother or sister?  Are we willing to bear our brother or sister’s burdens?  Do we pray for them?  Do we bless them?  Do we walk with them, even if it is in silence?  Paul is clear that we must examine ourselves before determining if we are called to be the one to restore the brother or sister caught up in sin.  The reason is simple:  if we are not in the proper spiritual place, we may well be tempted to sin.  

We are called to bear one another’s burdens, for this is love.  In so doing, we fulfill the law of Christ: to love one another as Christ loves us.  Rom. 15:1 states: “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourselves.”   Jesus came as our role model to show agape – the unconditional love that expects nothing in return, is for the person’s best interests, and is what the person needs, not wants. 

We should consider ourselves soberly and honestly.  Verse 3 reminds us to think of ourselves humbly, lest we get puffed up.  Rom. 12:3 declares: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”  In chapter five we presented the precept of submission as a key to the Christian journey.  In this chapter we present the precept of humility.  It is a sign of humbleness to submit to the authority and Lordship of Jesus.  Jesus said in Matthew 23:12, “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”   Perhaps the ultimate expression of humility is found in Psalm 113:5-6, “Who is like the LORD our God, who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in the heavens and in the earth?”