“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
I came across these words years ago and somehow figured out another hymn tune that matched them. I’ve never learned the original tune but the words are what spoke to me the most.
Called as partners in Christ’s service
Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing
Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfil God’s chosen end
Today’s churches seem to be running here and there doing everything but what God intended them to do. When we look at the early New Testament churches there are three things that stand out to me. They went house to house studying God’s Word. The people sang in worship to God and they took care of the needy.
Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering
Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer
All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold
Serving God at home, in our community and in our church is the simplest form of Christianity but the surest way to have peace in your walk with God. Placing others first keeps you humble and dare I say down on your knees in prayer for those you help?
Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission
In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens
Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision
Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action
Make us colleagues free and fair
His love for us should inspire us to bring those words of comfort and challenge to others. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12
So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living
Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace
We are partners, family, brothers and sisters in Christ as we labor on earth. As such we are called to bring others to Christ and serve them. We are not called to entertain them. Paul says it best here. We are to follow not only Christ’s example with the disciples in unity but also the Trinity of God. “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:20-22
Encourage someone today in their walk with God!