“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
When we read this passage and come across the word “burdens,” we automatically think of difficult situations and circumstances. We think that this is a command to bear one another’s burdens in the way of being with each other in the midst of a storm. Though this may be true, the main point of the verse is actually to bear the burdens of each other’s sins! Paul is emphasizing the need for us to lovingly “restore” those who are living in sin by redirecting them to the truth of the Gospel, thereby escaping the entanglement of their flesh. Is there a greater way to imitate Christ than to refuse to leave a loved one stuck in their sin? Christ did that for us on the cross and loved us enough to not see us stay there. Understanding that it is only the work of Christ in their lives, should we not also consider how to lovingly bring others to a place of repentance?
Is there someone you love who is stuck in his or her sin?
