Carrying Burdens - Galatians 6:2

Carrying Burdens

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

One of the best things about church is the amount of support, empathy, and love that faithful people give to one another. Whether it's through the power of prayer, a kind word and a smile, the sending of a handwritten card, or turning up with a tray of food, many of our church folks are grateful for the friendship and kindness that congregational members share with one another whenever trouble, illness, or issues take place in their lives. The burdens that some have are lessened whenever good church folks rally round.

Over the decades that I’ve been a pastor, I’ve constantly been impressed, encouraged, and proud of how lovingly and effectively our church members will respond to meet the needs of those who are undergoing tough times. Organizing acts of kindness is a great way to fulfill Christ’s teaching; showing support to others in need is a wonderful demonstration that God’s love truly exists.

So, today, let’s be thankful for the ‘first-responders’ in our congregation whose generosity and true charity have helped us all when we needed them most.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the ministry of compassion and care that we have received from other church folks. Encourage us to become burden-bearers and loving supporters, too. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step: Write and mail a card this week to someone in our congregation who needs to be encouraged, supported, and loved.

Daily Devotions: Ministry of Parties - Proverbs 22:9

Proverbs 22:9    A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. 

We have a Fellowship team at our church which has sometimes jovially been called the “Ministry of Parties” because of all the social events that the team organizes. To some people, it may appear that way, but I know the work of the people involved. They don’t organize parties – they strengthen the church through caring for others.

Many of the ministries that the Fellowship team fulfills are immensely beneficial to the whole congregation, but one that constantly impresses me is when the team provides food and support for those of our church or community who are grieving, ill, or going through hard times. The care that is expressed through calls, cards, and meals is a wonderful example of generous giving and gracious living. The love that is outpoured to those in need is something that the recipients never forget. It’s truly being the Church in the world and is one of the best ways to witness to Christ.

Perhaps there are people in your church or neighborhood, at work or school, who need a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a hand-written card, or a simple meal. Look for the opportunities that God sends your way to be generous with your food, your fellowship, and your faith. If you respond positively, it will make a tremendous difference in your own life, as well as in the lives of others.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You came into the world to heal the broken, comfort the lost, and support the weak. Each week, You grant us opportunities to apply our faith in generous ways that will help those in need. Grant us the courage to fulfill those moments of potential blessing with our faith, gifts, and support. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions of today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest Appalachian drawing. It’s of the famous Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church which is situated in the Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. If you would like to view a larger version of the drawing, please click the following link:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5784883406_f850e09961_b.jpg

John also has a limited number of signed & matted prints available of this scene. If you are interested in purchasing one, contact John at traqair@aol.com for details.