Don’t Lose heart, Let Me Help - Day 256 Month 9-12 Week 35-4
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
2 Kings 10:34-12:3, Proverbs 31:1-9, Ezekiel 48:10-29, Galatians 6
Don’t Lose heart, Let Me Help
When my mother passed away last November, a lot of people were sending us their sympathies. I truly did appreciate that. For those who have experienced the loss of a parent or really anyone close, you know there are times of sorrow, but there are also times of happy memories. Your emotions are all over the board. At times you are sad and at times you are happy. My mom was 98 and it was expected but you do still carry all the feelings. I was texting back and forth with a pastor friend of mine and he was asking how I was doing and at the time I was doing ok. I did say to him, “Isn’t this the time when people are supposed to bring casseroles to my door?” He said, “yes this is when people bring you casseroles!”
The act of sending a person's sympathy, praying for them, and bringing them casseroles to make sure they eat are all parts of “bear one another’s burdens.”
The apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:1 & 2 “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” He’s telling the Galatians, and other Jesus followers two things. If someone is caught doing something wrong, gently help restore that person back to Jesus without condemning them, remembering that we are all capable of falling into temptation. He’s also telling them to share the load of another's struggles.
The words at the end of verse 2 are especially interesting. He’s telling us that by doing these things, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. Now let’s not get confused. Paul is not talking about using the Old Testament law as the means of becoming right with God. He is talking about the law of Christ, which is centred on love. You’ll remember that Jesus was asked, “What are the greatest Commandments?” Jesus' reply was “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all of your mind, and all of your soul and love your neighbour as yourself.”
This is the Law of Christ. In simple terms, as Paul said in Galatians 5:14, “For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”” When we are sharing each other's burdens and redirecting someone who has done wrong, back to Jesus we are loving our neighbour. It’s that simple!
So offering sympathy when someone has gone through a difficult time, praying for them, being there for them, bringing them casseroles and walking with a person who has sinned without judgement are some of the best ways to “Love Your Neighbour.”
I’ll be honest, the not condemning bit? I guess I need to work on that.
Have a great day!
Steve
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