Quote:
Originally Posted by antonyh
Bear One Another’s Burdens
6My friends,* if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil* the law of Christ. Amen.
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This is one of those passages that is best known by the juicy middle and not by the solid bread that is on each side. Most Christians are quick to not get involved in the lives of the hurting so that they can take care to not be tempted themselves. I can't help a drunk so that I won't drink. I can't help a drug addict so that I won't party. What is forgotten about is that most of a sandwich is bread, and taking care of yourself is only a small part of what should be done.
In Bible college I heard all the time, "Context is everything." This is true here. True one should pay attention to not become part of the mess they trying to help fix, but that is not the point of this passage. The point is you are supposed to HELP! You are supposed to get involved. You are supposed to get your hands dirty and your feet wet. Keeping yourself from temptation does not fulfill the law of Christ, bearing one anothers burdens does.
May I be the type of missionary that is just a simple samaritan on his way home from work.
MM