The Good Shepherd’s Grace

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. 

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; but on the otherside of the fence, the field was poorly kept, the sheep were puny and lacked consistent care…and of course the shepherd was a cruel and hateful 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 looked up and said “go ahead and 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 by the grace of Almighty 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, but 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, or God forbid-self-reliant in some way- may God have mercy on us… let us all to examine  ourselves; for it is only by GOD’S AMAZING GRACE that we are saved and His tender mercies which are renewed towards us each and every morning! “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22.

Only Christ is able to provide, sustain, and keep us forever, because His strength is made perfect in our weakness! So, let us humble ourselves, praying one for the other, and as much as possible bearing one another burdens, recognizing that the sun shines on the just as well as the unjust and all of our help comes from the “Good Shepherd” of the sheep! “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

God blessings of peace and grace be with you all!

1 Comments

  1. Dr. Brenda A. WIMS on October 15, 2024 at 12:44 pm

    During these uncertain times and living among people who are less fortunate than some, this is a perfect inspiration. I appreciate you reminding us that we must be available to help others, when we can.

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