The Word: Calling all burden bearers

Published 10:15 am Thursday, August 3, 2017

“Bear ye one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Recently while driving around town to take care of some errands, I was listening to some good gospel music on the radio. Suddenly there was a commercial break. It was advertising an appeal for people to adopt children and become foster parents or temporary care takers of children.

The commercial was powerful in its appeal. However, what really caught my attention and resonated in my spirit was the explanation they gave regarding the positive impact that people make by engaging in this much-needed call for service and thereby touching and enriching the lives of others, especially children.

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This was focused primarily on the burdens that children were under without parents to care for them and being adopted and cared for by people who would love them truly lifted so many of their burdens.

I pondered the commercial moment and reflected on Paul’s words as he closed out his letter to the Galatians in chapter six verse two, whereby he declared, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The law of Christ is “love” and it is mandated to be fulfilled by those who claim to be His children, trust in Him and strive to carry out the great commission.

We all are faced with burdens in life ourselves from time to time, however, so often though, very close around us are situations and matters that others are weighed down and struggling with, that we can impact with just kind words, compassion and showing love to help ease those burdens by showing we care.

Yes, the appeal from the commercial is as real as ever in our society, however, we can impact lives and show the love of our Savior short of signing papers and entering into a binding contract to show our love. We have been endowed with the wherewithal to do so through a relationship with Christ. As we continue to journey from day to day, why not commit to renew your vows to be more intentional as burden bearers in our daily encounters by fulfilling the law of Christ through kindness, compassion, caring and love? Remember the great benefits when we fulfill the law of Christ, which is “love.”

James Taylor III is the pastor of the Jericho Baptist Church in Farmville. His email address is jht3@verizon.net.