Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2
You try and you try yet you keep failing. You’re a Christian. You’re not supposed to be struggling with this any more. Think again.
While I wish we could all obey the gospel and be done with our sins, we can’t be naive to think that. Yes, there is a change of heart and a change of course, but let’s not think that’s the end of it. Because, though we are now living within God’s grace, there’s still a process of daily renewing the mind that must happen. Maybe some things can vanish away quickly, but old habits die hard, and it takes the right diligent efforts and time to retrain what has been so deeply ingrained. It’s a tough process — and God understands that — so He has not left us destitute to go at it alone.
As a church, as a community of believers, we all need to recognize we need each other. There is no way around it. God never designed it any other way, and He makes it clear by setting standards for brethren to look out for each other. To think we can go at it alone and continually be perfected in Christ is to deny the commands of God.
Fulfilling the law of Christ by bearing each other’s burdens is a community effort. Whether you are someone who needs restoring or the spiritual doing the restoring, God has put His church in place to combat the lasting consequences and battles of overcoming the evil in this world. No one is left to their own devices no matter how much the struggle. Believe that, seek that, be a part of that, and you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Prayer:
You are mindful of what Your children need, oh Father. You gave us a church to help in times of struggle. As part of this community of believers, I am part of the fight to combat the evil in this world that leads to sin. Thank you for those who watch out for my soul and bear my burdens as I work to be perfected day by day. Help me to look after others, always remembering to be gentle in my efforts, considering myself lest I also be led into temptation. Though I still have failures of sin in my life, I will ask for Your forgiveness and keep trying no matter what for You have so lovingly given me Your grace to cover my weaknesses as long as I am faithful. I am restored by Your mercy. May I seek to restore others as we look to a time when these burdens will be no more. Amen.
Truth in love,
Heather
Truth in Love 