Laura Mars - Galatians 6:2

Christian Community

Galatians 6:2 

Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

When I first read this scripture it seemed very simple and straightforward to me. As I re-read it again, fulfilling the Law of Christ stood out in contrast. 

What is Christ’s law? Most scholars agree that this is referring to what Jesus said referenced in Mathew 22:37, Mark 12:30-31, and Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your strength, with all of your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Suddenly it was clear that there is much more to this short scripture to be explored. It amazed me to think that we could fulfill the whole law of Jesus if we simply followed this verse whole heartedly. 

Sharing others burdens is much more than having surfacy relationships with people after church (go in peace, keep warm and well fed). It should mean putting others needs above our own, making time for people in our busy schedules, opening our hearts and homes. 

This has to come out of a sincere love for one another and not simply out of a sense of duty. 

Jesus gave us the perfect example of this to follow when he willingly and out of love laid down his own life and took our burdens upon himself at the cross. 

I think a practical way to start putting this scripture into practice would first  be to begin with prayer. 

Ask God to give us a heart like Jesus’. A heart that sincerely cares about people and their troubles. 

It is human nature for most to want to run away from difficult situations and people. We must as followers of Christ be different and be willing to run to them. We need to remember that all of us will most definitely have times of trouble and will also need the same sort of help. 

The second thing we need to do is to actively seek out people around us that need help and help them. Maybe it’s simply praying with someone, or being listening ear. It may be more, physical serving, or monetary assistance. We need to be wise and get counsel from pastors and elders for situations that seem beyond our ability to handle alone or we are unsure how to help.

The point is we as believers need to be looking for the good works that God has put in our path to do and do them. 

Galatians 6:2 can be summed up in two words, Sincere Love. 

Sincerely incorporating this short scripture into our lives would transform our church into a shining example of the love that Jesus has already shown all of us at the cross. 

Laura Mars, Redding, 4.5 years attending Hope Church, serves hospitality.