OBEYING THE LAW OF CHRIST

 September 27, 2024

Galatians 6:1-2

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.

The concluding message of our week on mutual restoration is that the act of restoring one another is a true expression of love. Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ”.

To “share each other’s burdens” in this context is referring to the burden of overcoming sin in our life. The idea is to support each other in bearing the weight of sin while struggling to overcome it. Let me just make this important point that when we are helping someone get back on the right path we are to share their burden, not carry it for them. The heavy lifting is theirs, but they do not do so alone. A good and helpful friend will gently remind the other that "I can help you, but I cannot do this for you." I will be your spotter, though.

Galatian 6:2 says that if we share each other’s burdens in this we “obey the law of Christ.” What is the law of Christ? The law of Christ is the law of love. Jesus said in John 13, “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35). What the Bible is telling us is that if we are loving our neighbor as we love yourself. Then, we are putting another's interests ahead of our own. We are honoring Christ by loving this person who needs someone to share in their burden. When we step into the journey with a fellow disciple we are demonstrating love toward them, "God's love" toward them, and thereby obeying the law of Christ.

God’s Word says to share each other’s burden by helping one another experience restoration.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

• Is there someone in your life whom God wants you to assist by shouldering a burden and guiding them back onto the right path?
• In life, there may be people placed by God to help shoulder your burdens and guide you back onto the right path. Embrace their support.