Bear One Another’s Burdens
Galatians 6:1-4 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are
spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also
may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will
fulfil the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is
nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions.
Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to
somebody else,
Illustrate: Have someone struggle to carry a heavy object across the
front of the sanctuary. Then get others to help him.
Help
To bear one another’s burdens simply means to help each other along.
If you see your fellow leaning, prop them up; if you see them stumble,
help them get their footing; if they fall, pick them up.
Hebrews 12:12-13 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the
feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which
is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
It is tempting to say, "It’s not my problem." But if it was your
biological brother or sister, or your son or daughter, or parent, you
might feel differently.
Serve
Look at this passage:
Galatians 5:13-14 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do
not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one
another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command:
"Love your neighbour as yourself."
"Serve one another…" Jesus said,
Mt 20:26 -28 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be
great among you, let him be your minister And whosoever will be chief
among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not
to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom
for many.
Jesus exemplified what it means to serve others. His whole life was
for service. He served us by teaching, by showing us the way, and then
by giving himself.
We are often tempted to say, "They made their bed. Let them lie in it".
Yes, they may deserve everything they get. But what if you got what
you deserved? That was not the attitude of Jesus. If it was, we’d
all be in hell today.
Weak
Romans 15:1-3 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the
weak and not to please our-selves. Each of us should please his neighbour
for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself . . .
We disdain weakness. We hate to see it in ourselves, and we are
intolerant of it in others. But face, sometimes people are weak.
Sometimes they stumble. Sometimes they fall. And sometimes they
bring it on themselves.
I know that sometimes people need to face the consequences of their
actions and decisions. But that should be our last re-sort, not our
first. And rest assured, if God is bringing this upon a person, he
will continue to do so until they learn what He is trying to teach
them. But it is good for them to know that you will be there for
them when they need you - whether they deserve it or not.
Mt 9:13 But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy,
and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners
to repentance.
Jesus commended the Good Samaritan because he showed mercy.
Restoration
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which
are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Spiritual Christians are responsible to help weaker, or carnal, Christians.
We are to make every effort to restore them to a right relationship
with God. To restore one who is fallen is as good as winning a new
one to Christ. We are to reclaim territory lost to the devil. God
calls out to the back-slider continually throughout the Word. God
wants his children back. Why do you think Jesus told the story of the
Prodigal Son? God welcomes back the prodigals. I believe He is pleased
with us when we bring the prodigals back.
I would like to see the body of Christ to determine to bring back every
prodigal we can find - to restore them to fellowship - to reclaim them
for God.
Now don’t waste all of your time on one stubborn person who is determined
not to be restored, but don’t write them off either. Just let them
know that you care and that you are available.
What if it’s me?
One final word here. What if you are the one who is weak? Are you
struggling with some besetting sin or circumstance?
If you are struggling - if you are weak - reach out and get help.
Don’t be proud. We can all help each other.
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