Bear one another's burdens and therefore fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Jesus summarized the Old Testament law with two notable statements: 1) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and 2) Love your neighbor as yourself. Is this the "law of Christ" of which Paul writes to the church at Galatia?
One must understand that the church at Galatia was being influenced by those who believed that in order for someone to be a good Christian, he or she must also be a good Jew (by birth, law, or practice). Paul sought to counter such thinking by reminding his brothers and sisters that Jesus, while not eradicating the law of Moses, lifted from it key principles that gave it eternal meaning and significance. The law of Christ is a law rooted in a love for God and for others.
It is always easier to obey a list than an ideal. This explains the strength of legalism and law-based religions. Do "this" and God will be pleased. Don't do "that" and God will allow you to go to heaven (or paradise). Jesus simplified the law of God, but He did not make it easy. Paul asked, "Do you want to fulfill the law of God, church of Galatia (tempted as you are to return to Judaism)?" Bear one another's burdens. Do you want to please the Savior who freely gave Himself for your eternal salvation? Bear one another's burdens.
The key to a vibrant relationship with Christ is not rule-keeping. May we commit to know the burdens of others and become a bearer.
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else. - Charles Dickens
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