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Galatians 6:2 - Powerful Way to Share Our Burdens.Galatians 6:2 (ESV) Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.Galatians 6:2 (NLT) Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. INTRODUCTION We should never think that we are totally independent and don't need help from others or think that we are excused from helping others because we are too important. The body of Christ - the church - functions only when the members work together for the common good. Do you know someone who needs help? Does a Christian brother or sister need correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out, offering to lift that person's load (John 13:34-35). [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Our rural high school is not what most foreign-exchange students envision when they choose to spend a year in America. Missouri is far from the Big Apple, Hollywood, and Walt Disney World - locations that influence their cultural expectations, although we do have a few cowboys, which also make the list. I was surprised to learn that in their preparation, the students were told when Americans ask, "How are you?" to simply answer, "Fine." I didn't realize this cultural platitude warranted special attention. Our visitors were perplexed that Americans would ask an automatic question and expect a meaningless response. I wonder if "I'll pray for you" has also become an automatic and meaningless response. When friends share a parenting struggle, a health issue, or a complicated decision they face, I'm quick to say, "I'll pray for you." When I scroll Facebook and see a post requesting prayer, I comment, "Praying!" I'm sincere, but sometimes I forget to actually pray. How many times have I offered nothing more than an empty promise? Instead of promising to pray when someone asks, my pastor says to stop and pray right where you are - in the Walmart parking lot or at a school sporting event. How awkward! I prefer Jesus's practice of praying in solitude. Yet when a friend was deeply troubled and confided in me, I surprised myself. I grabbed her hand, bowed my head, and prayed right then and there. Tears and appreciation filled her eyes, and Jesus filled my heart. No more meaningless or automatic prayer promises from me! Karen Sargent Faith Step: Instead of telling a friend, "I'll pray for you," stop and pray where you are, even if it feels awkward. Jesus will lead. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] CLOSING PEARL You must be good before you can do good. You cannot exert an influence that will transform others until your own heart has been humbled and refined and made tender by the grace of Christ. When this change has been wrought in you, it will be as natural for you to live to bless others as it is for the rosebush to yield its fragrant bloom or the vine its purple clusters. If Christ is in you "the hope of glory," you will have no disposition to watch others, to expose their errors. Instead of seeking to accuse and condemn, it will be your object to help, to bless, and to save. MB128 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Galatians 6:2 - Sharing Our Burdens. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230327-0915.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230221-0846.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210520-0945.html Galatians 6:1, 2 - Burden Bearing. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210607-1038.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |