It’s Impossible
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Insight
Living a life in Christ all on one’s own is not difficult—it’s impossible.
Today we hear from Paul, who calls us to carry each other’s burdens. There will be loads in life too heavy to haul alone. We may think we can individually sustain a Christian life but at some point, our personal, human will not be enough.
Paul writes to the churches in Galatia about the power of community over self. By stating that those living a life in the spirit should “restore” anyone cut down by sin in a “spirit of gentleness,” he reminds the people that they will each need support at some time.
Picture a mission to outer space. There’s a lot that could and sometimes does go wrong. It takes a large team of astronauts, mathematicians, scientists, and engineers to pull off a single trip. There are blind spots and compromising challenges on all fronts. Each person involved has to be ready to cover for others.
By helping others through the tougher times of sin, we safeguard ourselves against self-deception. We are all targets of temptation. There’s no escaping that. God’s Kingdom however offers freedom from the entrapments of sin. If we want freedom of life in Christ, we must be willing to give support and also receive it.
Galatians 5:25 says “If we live by the spirit, let us also keep in step with the spirit.”
Paul doesn’t have some formula or pretty solution on how to stay in the spirit nor how to avoid derailments from righteousness. It’s not that easy. He even lists examples of works of the flesh to remind people there are so many ways to stumble. It’s tough out there.
So how do we successfully function in such a way that our flesh does not eventually take over our lifestyle?
Under the old way, it all came down to whom was best at keeping the law. It was a system of fear and pride. Paul reminds us though that because of the cross of Christ, we are forgiven. There is a new way of living that is not concerned with aligning properly with the laws of old, or even integrating different opinions of that. There is a new way that runs on the law of love and the mercy of Jesus Christ. It is held steadfast by the power of community, which celebrates redemption and helping each other along in the battle to remain living in the spirit and stifling the flesh.
Enter then the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. “Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:23). We can dispense of these as much as we want. Nobody can stop it. What a radical opportunity!
Jesus taught that loving your neighbor as yourself fulfills the whole law. This way of carrying other’s burdens, restoring and encouraging each other in the Spirit, is critical.
Paul truly nailed the responsibility of believers. When we avail ourselves to build up others, we see images of God’s pleasing, real love. Not only that, but we carry each other through transgressions that are bound to happen to all. In a world that operates on pride and fear, which will always produce greed and therefore selfishness, a community of people lifting each other up in the spirit is vital for living in Christ.
Reflection
How might you connect in a community that thrives on redemption?
What can you do to help in carrying others’ burdens?
Prayer
Lor, thank you for the new covenant. For a new way of love and mercy that sets us free from the bondage of the world. I ask that you humble me and strengthen me in order to serve others. Help all of us remain in the spirit, which offers such freedom. In your name, Jesus, amen.
Port City writer Adam King wrote today’s devotional.