Galatians 6:1-2 – Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

The law of Christ is to love your neighbor as yourself and the greatest way to love your neighbor is to help your neighbor in time of need. Men and women of the Spirit will genuinely help others, wanting to lift them up and not put them down, because that is also how we would all like to be treated. Notice, Paul says they have been overtaken in a trespass. This means that in some way they have fallen into some specific sin, rather than someone who is living in habitual sin. Paul’s wording here speaks not of a determined and hardened sinner. Instead, the idea is of someone who has fallen into sin, finding themselves trapped in a place they never thought they would be. Overtaken contains the idea of falling. It is not the deliberate, the planned, aspect of sin that is stressed here, but rather the accidental element. Christians are called by God to always act in a way that is loving and caring towards others.

Challenge:

Wouldn’t life be great if helping others was something that came naturally? But it doesn’t come naturally, you have to purposely choose to invest in those around you. If you are going to truly help someone, you will first have to get to know what is going on in their world. This week, with the direction of the Holy Spirit, take time to help those who need spiritual encouragement with the struggles they are facing. By taking a few minutes to pray with them and encourage them, you will help lift tremendous burdens that can set them free. There are hurting people all around us, that need strong believers in Jesus Christ, to come along side them to give them a hand of support. This week, be that person for someone and fulfill the law of Christ. God bless you.