(Galatians 6:1-2) “Brothers, if a person is caught doing something wrong, those of you who are spiritual should restore that person gently. Watch out for yourself so that you are not tempted as well. Practice carrying each other’s burdens. In this way you will fulfill the law of the Messiah.”
(Philippians 2:3-4) “Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves. Do not be concerned about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others.”
In this competitive society, you are taught to be the best, get the most, and get there first no matter what the cost. To get there you will have to ignore the weak, those you hurt, those you leave behind, and those you cheat or lie to. This is the true price to pay if you want success according to the world. If you talk to anyone who has applied this strategy to make it in life and be at the top, they will all agree on one thing… “It’s lonely up there.”
Sure, you might have all the friends, fame, and pleasures money can buy, but you will not be able to ever feel truly loved and cared for as you would have lost the character of compassion and love needed to have close friends or a loving family.
The Bible teaches us that we have to run the race of life patiently, thinking of others first, and truly carrying their burdens. God does not care if you make it there first, but as long as you make it through the right methods. It’s not a 100 m dash, but a marathon. He is not impressed with how big your muscles are, but how many burdens of others you are able to carry.
When was the last time you actually stayed up at night interceding in prayer for the needs of others? The last time you did not correct someone even though you know you were right? The last time you did not try to have the last word in an argument? The last time you helped a brother fight an ongoing sin instead of condemning him? Or the last time you gave to a beggar, knowing very well that he is not asking money for food but for alcohol?
Christ is our example of true compassion, long-suffering, and patience with a people that were lacking love for the sick, harsh with the rejected, and actually put religious burdens on the simple that they themselves could not carry. He carried all the sins of the world upon his shoulders when He hung on the cross. While they insulted and cursed Him, all He did was to ask God to forgive them for they knew not whom they were killing.
God is not worried about how fast you ran, but how many you slowed down for and helped catch up.
Prayers
• Heavenly Father, You are the Lord who shall preserve me from all evil. The Lord who shall preserve my soul. The Lord who shall preserve my going out and coming in from this day forth and even forevermore.
• Thank You for having compassion for us and for not forsaking us when we fall. Thank You for helping us to get back up without condemning us.
• Forgive us for not showing the same compassion for others that still are fighting some kind of sin or temptation. Give us the strategy to help them and the heart to pray for them.
• We want to be used by you for the ones suffering and in need. Let us not deny help when asked for, nor turn our backs on those with needs.
• We want to fulfill the law of the Messiah by carrying the burdens of others.
• Teach us how to use our words to exalt others above ourselves, and make them shine.
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• We ask in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.