None Too Great
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” Galatians 6:2-3
Insight
I was the youngest of three children, with a big sister and brother. I was not the first born, not the first girl, not the first at anything. So, there was a struggle of being compared, especially because my closest sibling, my brother, was the well-behaved one, the smart one, and the “never, never gets in trouble” one. As kids, comparing just happens. We get picked for sides in the schoolyard, we compete for parts in the play, we want to get the right seat in the cafeteria. Some of us raise our hands when we have the answer, thinking “pick me, pick me!” so we can show off what we know. There’s posturing and positioning for some while others of us shrink into our seats, making ourselves as unobtrusive and invisible as possible to avoid embarrassment.
As adults and as Christians, we’d like to think we’re past all that. In our hearts we know that grace has no place for comparison. But how many of us have found ourselves relieved that at least our sin doesn’t seem as bad as someone else’s? How many times do we excuse our less than gracious behavior, while finding fault in another? We peer out from around a plank to find that pesky speck in others that irritates us so.
Galatians reminds us not to put ourselves above others. We are not to not compare or justify ourselves and our behaviors, while finding someone else wanting. Paul’s primary theme in Galatians is how an individual is saved. It’s not by works but by faith, illuminating the ideals of a New Covenant of faith and forgiveness in Jesus. But we often have the misconception that right standing is earned. So, it only follows that we would have expectations of others, a set of criteria that proves them worthy of our time, affection, or loyalty. But this is the baggage of our past. It is the scorecard of slights, hurts and unmet needs, that weigh heavy as we drag them from one relationship to the next.
Jesus invites us into something new. A new way of relating, of connecting, that kicks comparing to the curb and celebrates compassion and community. Haven’t we all experienced those moments of pure joy, of positive transcendence, as we witness the triumph of a loved one? Our baggage is forgotten and our load is lightened as we lose focus on self. Our spirit lifts with joy for another.
There is a Swedish proverb that states, “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” Our life as Christians doesn’t mean we won’t have burdens. Paul was reminding us that we need not bear them alone. Inn fellowship, we are not a solitary soldier, but part of a larger army. Together we can battle sin and temptation, to shoulder pain and sorrow, and in truth and love, to find light in our darkness.
Interestingly, the Greek term Paul uses, bare, indicates something excessive or extreme in its weight. This is the weighty baggage of our yesterdays that need not make the trip into our present or future. Jesus has freed us from that, and in doing so, has given us the space, the strength, and the broad shoulders to bear each other’s burdens. In modeling a servant’s heart, Jesus has shown us that there are none among us too great to be above the need for each other.
Reflection
Are we setting up our loved ones to fail under the weight of unrealistic expectations? Does being proven “right” bring us any joy?
Where are we leading with comparison where compassion is needed? How is our judgement affecting our relationships? How is it affecting ourselves?
Prayer
Father, we are so grateful that in our fragility, You give us strength and beauty. You show us how to lean on and learn from our brethren. Soften our hearts, Father, and help us choose wisely and compassionately our reactions to others. Help us let go of past hurts that infiltrate and disarm our peace. Help us see each other as Your children. Let us be unified in our pursuit of You. In Your Name, Amen.
Port City writer Paula Argenio wrote today’s devotional.
