Fellowship With The Word

Sometimes the reality of our union as a body is far-fetched from practice. The culture of individualism has featured among believers due to societal influences. So it looks like society has molded more minds than the Scriptures. Even in the body of Christ, everyone has seemingly become so protective of themselves and their space that there's no room to bear and share burdens. Others who have attempted to practice it have even been abused in the process, further compounding the difficulties of this shared space. Everyone wants to serve God in their own lane. We want to see the sick healed and the dead raised, but we are not careful to show compassion or forgive. Different standards of maturity in the things of God have been forced in. But you see, as justifiable as some feel this whole style is, it actively stifles the expression of God's love. And that's what the second part of the opening verse covers. We bear burdens in obedience to the law of Christ. So, a good question is, what is that law of Christ? John 13:34 ESV [34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Christ loved us indiscriminately, especially when we didn't deserve it. And if we ought to love one another as he did, then we can't do "my lane" loving. Coz He didn't stay in His lane and love us, but came for us and bore our grief (Isaiah 53v4, 3v16). Notice how Jesus made Himself the standard of love, unlike subjecting it to yourself, as in Matthew 22:19, when considering the law. The love of Christ, by the way, is the ultimate measure of maturity in the things of God. And the degree to which we allow that nature of love to find expression reveals that maturity in us. In His goodness, He didn't make it to be something we have to struggle with, except in ignorance. He gave us His nature to permit us to do likewise with ease. Our responsibility is to change how we think about it so that it aligns with God's expectations. Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP [1] Therefore, become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; [2] and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. Prayer: Lord i open my heart to believers that are burdened. I choose to let your virtues and perfections find full expression in and through me. I thank you for giving me the nature that makes it possible. I'm grateful for your love. Amen

Expressing God in the Details