A Small Devotional - Galatians 6:2

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

Do not be fooled into believing that Jesus has done away with the law, or that the law is now in opposition to the people of God. Did not Jesus himself tell us that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it? (Matthew 5:17). Indeed, Jesus confirms to us that the underlying principle of the whole law is to love God supremely, and love people selflessly (Matthew 22:37-40). Jesus then condemns sin in his blood shed on the cross, in order that the righteous requirement of the law can be met in us (Romans 8:4). Through the Lamb who was slain, the very law that condemned us has become the vehicle of our salvation!

So then, will we not strive to grow into this salvation that has been given to us? Will we not seek to fulfill the law of Christ - to love God supremely and love people selflessly? What a mockery we make of this glorious gospel when we claim the name of Christ and yet do not seek to fulfill His law by the power of the Holy Spirit! And as Paul points out to the wayward churches in the region of Galatia, perhaps the simplest way we may love God supremely and people selflessly is by bearing one another’s burdens. To hitch ourselves to the plough with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and shoulder with them the load of sin and sorrow that our broken flesh contends with. Let us throw off the dual chains of egocentrism and self-sufficiency that our world and our hearts press upon us, and instead through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13).

First, let us be people who, with a willing spirit, will sacrifice our time, comfort, wealth, energy and very life for others, especially those who are in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). The body of Christ is not meant to have each part eagerly seeking its own advancement, but instead in love builds each other up (Ephesians 4:16). If our Lord would, for the joy set before him, endure the shame of Roman crucifixion at the hands of his own creation (Hebrews 12:2), will we not endure a little discomfort for our brothers and sisters?

Second, let us be people who are not too proud to admit our own need. For we know that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Therefore, let us set aside our ego and self-dependency and allow the body of Christ to build us up. For many it is easier to sacrifice and serve others than it is to allow others to serve us. But if the Apostle Paul was not too proud to ask for the help of the saints (Romans 15:30-32), why should we be too proud? Allow your brothers and sisters in Christ to serve you as Christ has served us all, and by this the Servant King may be displayed to the world.

So my call to you, dear brothers and sisters, is to embrace and fulfill the law of Christ. To love God supremely and love one another selflessly, by bearing one another’s burdens, that the glory of God would be put on display in his bride, the Church.