Share A Burden In Love Today

The Holy Bible

¹ My brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. ² Help to carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.

(Bible Translation and Location: The Good News Translation – Galatians 6:1-2)

Thoughts:

I believe that way too often in today's society we become complacent when it comes to correcting a brother, because we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or we feel like they have their respective rights to believe as they want. Unfortunately this results in chaos and general non-compliance with the Word of God. We, Christians, take most of the laws/teachings of the Word seriously, for we believe, and try very hard to practice what the Word of God demands. That is, until it comes to correcting a brother or a sister. I want to assume in this study that we are endeavoring to follow Paul's teaching. Don't you suppose that would result in a brother for life, if we act in love? In other words, if we were to approach that brother in a gentle and loving way about certain sin that you've observed in his life? Conversely, I want you to consider what might happen if you observe sin and don't try to help. Don't you see where Satan would easily stick his nose into your business and temp you to start a gossip ring about that brother that will quickly lead to hurt, unforgiveness, character destruction, and worst of all distancing yourself from that brother and perhaps even his acquaintances? Friends, Paul even reminds us about how tender and self-destructive this subject could be, for he tells us to be careful so that we ourselves are not tempted into the same sin we are accusing our brother of. However, by helping a brother overcome a weakness, we are helping him carry the burden that he is struggling with, and a burden shared becomes half the weight to the bearer. This action is obedience to the law of God friend, exactly where we should strive towards every day.


Prayer:

Because of our fear of rejection and deep desire to not cause disharmony, this is probably one of the greatest weaknesses, and challenges, of Your children today dear Lord. However, You have included these instructions in Your Word to help us be overcomers and stronger warriors for You, not to oppress us and cause us grief. Please help us to take Your commands seriously. Please help us to always seek to help a brother overcome His weakness and/or his sin, for no other reason than to see him reunited and strengthened in You. Lord, I believe that Your grace is all sufficient and extremely powerful. Please help me to place my hand in Yours and welcome Your all sufficient love and direction as I strive to live daily for You and imitate You in every way. Please help me to always seek to help others, knowing that You are my support and my guidance in every way. I love You Lord, and ask this in Your wonderful and all-powerful name, AMEN!

 
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