Load Bearing
I have spent the last few weeks going through the book of Galatians in my personal time. The start of chapter 6 really stands out to me:
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We live in an individualized world. We don’t know our neighbors. We often don’t really know our co-workers. Our homes are our sanctuary, church is arrive late so we don’t talk to others, and hurry out the door because lunch is waiting…and that Pastor’s sermon is going to make us late…..even our coffee isn’t made by the pot anymore in case someone stops by…it’s by the individual K-Cup.
Everything is so compartmentalized. And I I read that section of Galatians I will admit my thought was I often don’t want to carry my friends’ burdens, let alone “others” burden.
Yet we are called to. Especially in sin.
The goal of sin is to separate
The desire of grace and mercy is to make whole. To restore.
Let’s just be honest, it is not easy.
It will rarely be what I want.
And it will take confession, and absolution, vulnerability and sacrifice.
Things we received on from the very cross of Calvary….” Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Powerful words. Humbling words.
Words that remind me that when I sin, I need to go to the one I sinned against, not hide.
Words that remind me that when I am sinned against, I need to go to my transgressor, not hide.
And in doing so, I will fulfill the law of Christ…which law is that?
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments are the foundation for all of the Law and the Prophets.“
Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:36–40; Mark 12:28–31
This week you are going to be tested. Your patience and your endurance will be tested. There wil be a time in which you say “I shouldn’t have to deal with this!” That is the best time to stop and reflect that we are loved by a God who didn’t have to forgive us, He choose to. He carried our burden to the cross and left it in an empty tomb. May that help us forgive as we have been forgiven, and bear each others trespasses
Forgiven by Christ,
- Pastor Dan