Verse of the Day 2/22

 

Galatians 6:2  Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.   Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

Yesterday we considered how our salvation is a personal one but that we are meant to live in community, experiencing and sharing life together

 

There is a popular series of beer commercials on TV that feature "the most interesting man in the world" in which he ends each commercial with "stay thirsty my friends".  But the commercials are all about him, one line that stuck out was "he lives vicariously, through himself".  I guess the message of the commercial is for you to want to be like him, to be the subject of conversations of others and to enjoy life for yourself and drinking this beer is a component of that.

 

The Bible tells us something different.  We live for each other and as pointed out in today's verse, a key component is to carry one another's burdens.  Doing so will requiring growing and rejoicing in what is accomplished in sharing burdens, lifting people up, in a way living vicariously through their experiences which bind us together.  I'm reminded of the old hymn written by John Fawcett, "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds"

 

Blest be the tie that binds   	our hearts in Christian love;   	the fellowship of kindred minds   	is like to that above.   

	Before our Father's throne   	we pour our ardent prayers;   	our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,   	our comforts and our cares.     	We share each other's woes,   	our mutual burdens bear;   	and often for each other flows   	the sympathizing tear. 

The commercial told the listeners to "stay thirsty" for themselves, The Message encourages us in verse 1 to "live creatively" in community, may we experience that this weekend.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Galatians 6:2

The Message (MSG)

Nothing but the Cross

6 ^1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.