May 6 - Burdens

Overview of: Galatians

Today's Reading:
Galatians 4:8 – 6:18
"Grace and Freedom"

Focus Verses: Galatians 6:2-5
2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.

Insight:
To live out the character and example of Christ, we must share each other's burdens. This requires humility and selflessness. While followers of Christ should be quick to help others carry their burdens, we should also make every effort to carry our own load, and not be an unnecessary burden to others. When our burden is more than we can bear, we should gladly accept the love and help others extend to us. When we see someone else struggling under a burden, we should do what we can to help.

Response and Action:
I need to be sensitive to the needs of those around me. How can I help? What can I do to share or lighten the load? A humble spirit will stimulate this kind of awareness toward others. This kind of awareness will also contribute to a humble spirit. I want to do my best to carry my own load, and yet be ready to accept help when I need it. I don't want pride to get in the way of giving or receiving help.

O God. Thank you for the love and support you give me through fellowship with other Christians. Give me a humble heart and a readiness to help others bear their burdens. Thank you for Christ Jesus who has given his all to bear my burdens. Help me to have a Christ-like heart for others. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 68:19-20
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. 20 Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.
In Context: Psalm 68

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:5
"Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler."

Recommended Reading:
Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer