Able to Bear One Another’s Burdens #2433

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load (Galatians 6:2–5, NKJV).

The mature Christian is encouraged to restore a fellow Christian ensnared by sin (Gal. 6:1). A spirit of gentleness directs this act of love and fulfills the will of Christ (Eph. 4:2). The apostle elaborates by immediately turning our attention to ourselves, not the sinning Christian (verses 3-5). (1) Prideful conceit prevents bearing another’s problems (Gal. 6:3). When a Christian sins, it is a time for us to rally to help that soul, not point a finger in shame. Remembering our frailties and failures helps us remain humble and avoid deceiving ourselves. (2) Personal examination equips us to humbly help bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:4). There should not rejoice when sin overtakes a soul. Comforting ourselves in someone else’s sin by self-righteously assuring ourselves we are not like them ensures our spiritual demise (Luke 18:9-12). We should examine ourselves and not try to justify ourselves on the back of another’s sin (2 Cor. 13:5). (3) Each Christian has their load to bear (Gal. 6:5). Each person is responsible for himself before God (2 Cor. 5:10). When someone falters, it does not mean we have met our obligation to the Lord. When we address our spiritual condition, we can help others with the impediments and sin that so easily ensnares us (Matt. 7:3-5; Heb. 12:1).

“Answer Me Speedily” #943

1  Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come to You. 2  Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; Incline Your ear to me; In the day that I call, answer me speedily. (Psalm 102:1–2, NKJV)

Burdensome trials are common to us all as we travel through life; none of us are immune from the pains and sorrows of the flesh. Those who live by faith face the additional stresses and strains brought on by seeing and hearing the lawless deeds of the wicked (2 Peter. 2:8). Yet, just as God “delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked”, the Lord knows how to “deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Pet. 2:7, 9). One way He does so is by hearing and answering the fervent prayers of the righteous. The Lord hears the cries of His people. He sends forth His goodwill from His throne of grace to help us in time of need (Heb. 4:16). God is our “very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1). Do not forget to pray, and do not fail to trust that God will hear and answer your prayers (1 Jno. 5:14-15).