Only by the Good Shepherd’s Grace

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” Galatians 6:2-3.

We all carry burdens in this life…but the word of the Lord in Galatians 6:1  admonishes  us to “Bear ye one another burdens, and so fulfilling the law of. Christ”. I recall a story that went as follows: Once there were two connecting fields. One field was well kept, lush green pastures and bountiful and healthy sheep…the shepherd was a good loving shepherd. On the other of the fence the field was poorly kept, the sheep were puny and lack consistent care…and of course the shepherd was a cruel shepherd who obviously mistreated the sheep.

One day one of the sickly sheep, managed to make it to the fence that divided the fields…there he fell in poor condition unable to move…and one of the well-nourished and fatted sheep came to the fence and gazed over at him; at that moment the ill sheep look up and said “go ahead laugh at me… I know you have been well treated and here I lay unable to be compared…go ahead.”

The well-nourished sheep replied, no, I am in no position to laugh or scorn you for your condition; it is only because of the grace and mercy of my good shepherd that I am not in the same predicament as you are now!

My friends… it is only the grace of God that we stand… in any situation. We are commanded to love one another, that includes bearing one another burdens. There are times in life when  the load we carry is too heavy. The word of the Lord tells us to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” Galatians 6:2-3.

Human nature teaches us self-first, and if by chance we might dare to think that we are somehow more significant or stronger than another; that we are self-reliant in some way- may God have mercy and help us all to examine  ourselves, for it is only by GOD’S GRACE that we are saved… and His tender mercies which is renewed every morning! “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22.

It is only Christ who is strong enough to meet all our needs, and all our strength comes from Him…let us stay humble, praying one for the other, and as much as possible bearing one another burdens, recognising that the sun shines on the just as well as the unjust and all our help comes from the “Good Shepherd” of the sheep! And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:39.

God blessings of peace and grace be with you all!

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