Devotion 1: Bear Burdens, Love One Another
Scripture: Galatians 6:2-3 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
Reflection:
In our walk with Christ, we’re called to live differently from the world around us. The world tells us to look out for ourselves, to climb the ladder of success, and to boast in our achievements. But Paul, in Galatians 6, paints a different picture for the church. He calls us to carry each other’s burdens, to step into the messiness of one another’s lives with love and humility. This isn’t easy. It’s tempting to think we’re above others’ struggles or that we don’t have time to help. Yet, Paul warns against such pride: if we think we’re something special, we’re deceiving ourselves. A good church, a Christ-centered church, is one where we humbly come alongside our brothers and sisters, sharing their heavy loads—whether it’s a financial struggle, a broken relationship, or a spiritual battle. When we do this, we fulfill the law of Christ, which is love for one another (Galatians 5:14). Today, let’s ask God to open our eyes to someone who needs our support and to give us the humility to serve without seeking recognition.
Application:
Think of one person in your church or community who is carrying a heavy burden. It might be a friend who’s grieving, a family struggling financially, or someone wrestling with doubt. How can you practically help carry their load today? It could be a prayer, a kind word, or an act of service like providing a meal. Write down one specific action you’ll take this week to bear their burden, and pray for the humility to do it with a servant’s heart.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who carried the ultimate burden of our sins on the cross. Forgive me for the times I’ve been prideful or too busy to notice others’ struggles. Give me eyes to see those who are hurting and a heart to serve them humbly. Help me to fulfill Your law of love by bearing their burdens as part of Your church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.