July 24| Galatians 6:2-10

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DAILY READING

Galatians 6:2-10

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REFLECTION

Why Carry Each Other's Burdens?

by Judy Webb

The topic this week is: Work, the Common Good and the Great Commission.

Many of us volunteer in a ministry like these daily devotions, or as a part of a prayer team, or a small group leader. We joyfully work for the common good, knowing that the Great Commission is being fulfilled by the work of our hands. Or is it? Does it count when we serve begrudgingly because it is our duty?

What is the Great Commission? It is the assignment Jesus gave his disciples to make disciples of all nations. It is the last recorded personal directive of the Savior to his disciples. It holds great significance to all followers of Jesus. This command can be found in all four gospels (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-28, Luke 24:44-49,John 20:19-23, and Acts 1:8). When we practice the Great Commission, we are carrying one another’s burdens. We share the gospel, come alongside and pray for our neighbors.

Have we learned yet that it isn’t all about us? I know there are days this concept escapes us; days when we feel the need to dwell on our own misfortune, our current problems. In fact, there are seasons when we focus on ourselves more than we should. Perhaps we haven’t learned that our troubles can be blessings in disguise. Our worries are momentary and carry no weight in the grand scheme of things.

There is a quote from Julius Richter that puts it in a new perspective. “The burden of suffering seems to be a tombstone around our necks. Yet it is simply the weight necessary to hold the diver down while he is searching for pearls!”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells believers “to encourage one another and build each other up.” 

” God said it is not good for man to be alone”, (Genesis 2:18) so he designed his church to be a family. To encourage one another is to give courage where it is needed. To be a family is to surround with love and truth, never giving up on anyone in the family, but to pray and support each other.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of God.” (Galatians 6:10) This is how we work for the common good.

PRAYER

Lord,

Why is it so difficult to love and help each other? As Christians we must learn to do this naturally. Come Holy Spirit. Guide and teach us to come alongside others and lend a hand or an ear. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.