Daily Reading: 10 August

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Bear one another’s burdens.

Something to read

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.

- Galatians 6:2 .

Something to think about

Can you imagine what the church would look like if we were bearing one another’s burdens, or sharing one another’s loads?

At times you’ll be helping me to carry my load, and at other times I'll be helping you to carry yours - so none of us is left to struggle on alone because we can rely on one another and love is clearly seen in action. 

Is that not a little of what Paul is describing here, and when we feel part of that kind of community, what a difference it makes! 

Would we not all prefer to live in that kind of ‘one another’ society? 

Sadly that's not always the case; within the church it's always tempting to be preoccupied with our own interests and concerns so that we ignore the burdens of others. It can also make us reluctant to share our load with others. 

As a result people can feel abandoned, isolated and overwhelmed. It 's good to know that God loves us, but often the best way to experience that love is through one another. 

Something to do

Think of people who help you carry your burdens - they may live locally or further afield. 

Are there people you could help to carry their burdens, so that they experience something of the love of God?

Something to pray

Gracious Father,

how we thank you that you don’t mean us to be solitary Christians,

but that you give us one another for mutual support and encouragement. 

How we praise you that through others you give us your love and support.

Today’s contributor is Rev John Fulton, General Secretary of the United Free Church of Scotland at the time of writing.