Are You Growing Spiritually? – Part 2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Paul writes, ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.’ You must take responsibility for your own spiritual growth, because until you learn to carry your own burdens you won’t be able to help others carry theirs. Remember the old Hollies’ song, ‘He Ain’t Heavy…He’s My Brother’? Instead of always having to be lifted, God wants you to lift others. Instead of always having to be prayed for, God wants you to pray for others. Instead of always needing to receive, you should be able to give. Why is it ‘more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35)? Because in receiving, the process ends with you. But in giving, you activate the law of reciprocity. Paul says: ‘Every one must make up his own mind as to how much he should give…cheerful givers are the ones God prizes. God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others…Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much…Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine’ (2 Corinthians 9:7-13). When you’re all wrapped up in yourself, you make a very small package. It’s when you open up and reach out in love to others that you begin to grow spiritually.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, keep me focused on lifting up others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen