Pray For Each Other
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Paul, the apostle of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in his letter to the church at Galatia, admonished the believers to “carry each other’s burdens…”. As we examine our text for today, the question is, what burdens are we to carry? Should we go around asking those who have burdens to put them on our shoulders so we can carry them, just as we would carry a bag filled with groceries? I submit to you that the apostle Paul was not admonishing the believers to do such a task.
Galatians 6:1 shows us the preeminent example of burden-bearing for one another. “If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” – (ESV). Additionally, another way we carry each other’s burden is through prayer. Yes, prayer. The burdens we need to help carry for one another include guilt, worry, sorrow, anxiety, and all other similar loads.
How many times you and I have encountered various situations in our lives, our families, on the job, or, through our actions that have displeased God? But whatever the situation was, it seemed like we were struggling beneath the heavy load. Then, something happens: you feel that the weight has been lifted off you, peace has come over your life, and you begin to praise God. Yes, my brothers and sisters, someone carried your burdens to God in prayer.
There are many instances when the Holy Spirit directs us to pray for someone. In obedience, I would pray as I am led by Him, and in some cases, I would hear that believer testify about God’s intervention in their situation on a particular day. With an attitude of gratitude, I would give thanks to the Lord for allowing me to be obedient in bearing that burden through prayers. We honour God when we offer prayer for others.
In Galatians 5:14, apostle Paul reminded believers that the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “Love”. We best manifest this love when we carry one another’s burdens. Moreover, Philippians 2:4 tells us, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” So, let’s pray for each other and fulfill the law of Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we confess that we have been selfish in looking after our interests and not those of our brothers and sisters. Help us to fulfill one of Your laws, Jesus, by bearing others’ burdens through our prayers, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 22:39
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 3:1-10; Matthew 16:21-28; Matthew 17:1-13; Genesis 47:13-31; Genesis 48
You know it is so good to bear the burden of others. I have experienced that compassion for persons on more than one occasion. I noticed that when that compassion is expressed it is then that the miracle is released. It is important however that we be covered with the blood of Jesus before we enter into any warfare. I did not know this in my early walk with the Lord and in my zeal to do the work of God exposed my family to be hurt. But God is into restoration. Thank God for the blood of Jesus so that we will not be afraid to do the work of God and to bear each others’ burden