The word “bearing” means the following: a person’s way of standing or moving, the way one behaves or conducts himself, relation or relevance, the level to which something bad can be tolerated and a part of a machine that bears friction. I never took the time to look up the meaning of the word bearing since I assumed I knew what it meant. However, looking up the meaning has me meditating on this verse with new and fresh eyes. If I were to substitute the word bear with the meanings listed above in this Bible verse, I believe that I would come to truly appreciate what it is the Apostle Paul is telling me in his letter to the Galatians. I am to bear another’s burdens, but do I really know what that looks like and what it really means in my day to day? I believe, more than simply bearing another’s burdens, I should know how I am able to bear another’s burdens.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 ESV
Unless we are so rooted and abiding in Christ which means standing firm on the foundation of His truths, behaving in a way that is pleasing in His sight, going to the Lord first and making our relationship with Him a priority, tapping into His strength alone, and being plugged into the body of Christ, we will never be able to carry one another’s burdens. Why? Because if we are not doing this on the daily for ourselves, how can we do it for others? Yes, we carry one another’s burdens, but if we are not able to manage our burdens and go to the Lord with them for ourselves, we will not be able to stand and carry another’s burdens. Carrying the burdens of others will require us to be living surrendered to, and in communion with Jesus. Carrying the burdens of others will require us to go to the Lord in prayer on their behalf. Carrying the burdens of others will require us to deny ourselves and to love when it is difficult to love. The only way to do this is by living a life completely for Christ, which is surrendered and in complete pursuit of Him and His wisdom.
Considerations for your planner:
- How do you carry your burdens and the burden of those around you? Write it down. Are you incorporating God?
A Prayer for Our Community:
Lord God, I pray that we commit to being faithful members of Your church.That as we pursue you on a daily basis and surrender ourselves to you, laying our burdens at your feet, You Lord will give us the strength to carry the burdens of others. Lord give us hearts that love the way you love and that see Your people the way You see them. Lord, may we glorify You in all we do and say. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
- Gelsie Borja
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