Scripture
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Reflection
Paul deals here with a hypothetical case of a Christian who is caught in a sin, or better, is caught by a sin. The word employment of ‘catch or caught’ is that of someone running from sin but sin, being faster, overtakes and catches him. But a Christian should not only identify and point this sin out to a fellow believer, but he or she should also restore (a word used in secular Greek for setting broken bones and in the NT for mending fishing nets) him or her. The task of restoration is not to be undertaken by someone immature in the faith but by those who are spiritual, that is, believers who walk by the Spirit ( Gal. 5:16), and who are mature in the faith (1 Cor. 2:15; Heb. 5:13–14). Furthermore, this delicate work must be done gently ( Gal. 5:22) and with the awareness that no one is immune from falling into sin ( 1 Cor. 10:12).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Wherever you are, take time to acknowledge God and trust in Him again. Give God your worries. Take a moment to give each thing you are worrying about back to God.
