DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BEARING THE LOAD

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – BEARING THE LOAD

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself let you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load." (Galatians 6:1-5)

It is so easy to see the faults in another person while ignoring the shortcomings in my own life. It is such a common adage, that it seems trite, but it is still true. When I point a finger at someone else when they fail, there are three pointing back at me. It is so easy to pinpoint another person's flaws and overlook my own. Paul is not advocating ignoring a brother's sin. He says we need to face it and identify it, but in a spirit of meekness, and not in pride.

God calls for me to come underneath and lift up – bear with a person who is struggling, while recognizing that I have my own struggles. I deceive myself if I claim to be above the possibility of being tempted to sin. In fact, I have my own issues to bear. If I examine my own life and am willing to admit my short-comings, then I can be intentional in gaining victory in that area. When I do overcome my own challenges, then I can truly rejoice.

As we often do, we remember what Jesus said about removing the log in our own eyes before trying to remove the speck in someone else (Matthew 7:3-5). When I am free in my own spirit, then I am in a position to help someone else gain victory over sin.

This is Paul's counsel: bear with other people in their weaknesses and failures. Love bears all things (I Corinthians 13:7). That is the law of Christ – loving one another enough to stand by them. But at the same time, I need to examine my own life so that I do not condemn the other person when he or she fails.

This is love in action.

Love, Dad