Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
As we conclude this week on Galatians, I lift up this verse for you. I believe that it encapsulates the entirety of the purpose and message of Paul's letter.
The law is fulfilled not through pietism, works, or doctrinal devotion. No, the law is fulfilled as we love our neighbor and consider their burdens our own. There is no hierarchy, no levels of faithfulness, no demarcation of followers of Jesus. As much as we probably would like for there to be such things, Paul says that this is patently anti-kingdom of Jesus thinking.
Instead, Paul proclaims a radical inclusiveness and maddening equality. We follow the law as we love without prejudice and within compassion. Period. We most perfectly execute God's purpose in this world as we begin to see the struggles of others as our own, and do something about them. We most perfectly execute God's plan for our lives as we humble ourselves and devote ourselves to the work of justice and freedom for the other.
And as we do, we will experience a glimpse of God's beautiful vision for our world.
God of compassion, may we have compassion on others and share their struggles so as to bring new life. Amen.
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