Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

There is so much hurt, suffering, and pain being experienced by so many today. How can the Church be ever ready to meet the needs of those who are suffering? It is evident that a competitive atmosphere does not bring harmony to the fellowship. It may be welcome in athletics or other secular venues, but not among the family of God. Our relationship with others must be an expression of the depth of our relationship with God. Irritating and inflaming others so that quarrels and infighting ensue is not keeping in step with the Spirit of God. We must stop comparing ourselves with one another as if one of us is better and worse (Gal 5:27-28). There must be unity and harmony as we witness to the world the power of God and the ministry of reconciliation and oneness he has given us. Social divisions or gender prejudices are not acceptable in Christ’s Church, for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:28).

The weight of real struggles can fall upon any one of us, and a defeated brother or sister in Christ should be a problem for every believer. Sometimes we all can become overwhelmed by our circumstances, and our faith starts to shrink, causing us to lose hope. We can grow weary and even begin to wonder if going on is worth it. We long for the better day and life we hoped for, but the pressures to give up are coming from every side. As we wait on the Lord sometimes, we must encourage ourselves in the Lord, like David. But for those of us who are well, we must help those who are overwhelmed—letting them know that these light momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. Love never gives up on anyone, and for this reason, we help carry the heavy load of our brothers and sisters. Gospel Fellowship lightens the heavy burden of those suffering and in sin without condemning them. He who is without sin let him cast the first stone; correction is not to punish anyone but that they may be restored to the fellowship (John 8:2-11). 

Unhealthy pride is a problem in the community of faith; it elevates self over others and creates the false narrative that similar shortcomings and failures are no longer possible for some. Conceit and selfish pride are an evil trap, and we can become so consumed with self and spiritually blinded. We can become unresponsive to the reality that there is none good but God and that all have sinned and come short of His glory. Any success and elevation that has come our way are only by God’s gracious and all-powerful hand and not of ourselves. It is a trap that all of us can fall prey to, that somehow we have arrived at a place where we can no longer be tempted to sin and fall. Yet, as we access God’s grace, our strength and pride are redeemed in his power made perfect in us to sustain and keep us. Gospel fellowship lifts others, knowing it could be any one of us in the same’s shoes. All of us can be tempted and fall (1 Cor 10:12-13). Member’s and leader’s community responsibilities do not replace a person’s responsibility for personal decisions and actions before God. It is everyone’s responsibility to do our creative best where we can with our own life! It is a sin to avoid your responsibilities while seeking the help of others.

Bear one another burden (weight of suffering and sin) and so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2). The Church is where we model Christ’s love as we help share the heavy load through encouragement by coming alongside one another. We don’t pick up stones to condemn; we help each other stand up from underneath the weight pressing you down and cause you to stumble and fall. When we come together is to help lighten the heavy load that may be on someone letting them know that they are not alone. Sometimes the weight is an overwhelming thought or feeling that you can’t get up from under. Sometimes the weight is discouragement because there are too many things for you to carry all at once. Love gives balance to our community and individual responsibilities (1 John 2:14-17). You are not alone! Turn from loneliness, turn from fear, turn for guilt and shame, turn from the love of this world. Turn to the love of God in Christ Jesus. Turn to the love that never gives up on you. Turn to the love that will never fail. Turn to love! Gospel fellowship is a faith community turning to the power of Christ’s love to bring unity and harmony among us.

Because He lives,

Pastor Reggie Sheppard