Scripture: Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Devotion: The Christian life is not one that is meant to be walked alone. Left to our own devices, without any sort of help, comfort, or accountability, things go sideways pretty quickly. Even Scripture talks about how we are to come alongside of other believers. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When another person is struggling, we are to help carry the weight of it.
As we look at the idea of not turning back to our old ways, patterns, or sins when things get tough, we realize just how important it is to have others walk alongside of us. My daily quiet time is a great example of this. I have often started a “Bible in a Year” plan that I later give up on for something else because I have fallen off pace. With two young children and a full-time job, things are busy at our house. But this year, my husband and I started on the same reading plan. Simply having someone to walk alongside of me to make sure that we are both getting in our quiet time with the Lord daily has made a big impact.
This same idea applies to bigger areas of life as well. It is why the church has groups like GriefShare, DivorceCare, Celebrate Recovery, Walk With Me, and Bereaved Mothers. There is such beauty that comes from community, especially when it is a community of people who are going through similar things. We can support each other because we have been through it. We can encourage each other because we know that God will get us through it. We can hold each other accountable as we know that living a life in pursuit of the Lord comes with its ups and downs.
God gave us community for a reason: to carry each other’s burdens, to comfort one another, and to spur each other on in the faith. What a joy it is to have a God who loves us so deeply as to provide that sort of help and comfort for us through the presence of other people.
Reflect:
- What community have you relied on throughout your life?
- Is there a community or group that you can get involved with to help others?