6/4/11 The Law of Christ Galatians 6:1-2

 ¹ Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

(Porters carrying the load of another in Machu Pichu, Peru)

Thoughts: Paul speaks of "the law of Christ" and fulfilling it by carrying each other's burdens.  The Law of Christ is not a different Ten Commandments.  Generally, most believe that God's will, hopes, and plan for humanity- summed up in the Ten Commandments- is united and unchanging.  This passage speaks of "sin" and "temptation" things that would be meaningless without rules or laws given to us.  Paul was probably not referring to the Beatitudes (which some consider a type of Law).  Jesus was once asked what is the first and greatest commandment, and he replied "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and the second is like it- love your neighbor as yourself" (Mt. 22:38-40).  In this context of carrying burdens, the command to love neighbor fits in nicely.  In other words, when we carry the burdens of others, we fulfill Christ's command to love our neighbor as ourselves. 

Prayer: Lord, give me grace to listen to your great command to love.  Give me grace to love others out of gratitude for your great love.