Living the Law of Christ

Deuteronomy 28-29; Galatians 6

“Brothers [and sisters], if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him [that person] gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:1, 2

How we deal with sin, both in our own lives and in the lives of others, reveals much about our understanding of the Gospel. Restoration of relationship with God and others must be central to how we approach sin. Notice that Paul said “if someone is caught in a sin”, not “if someone repents of a sin”. The law of Christ took the “royal law” of loving one’s neighbor like themselves, to another level. Christ’s new commandment (John 13:34) was to “Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another”. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, all central to the Gospel, become our new standard of how we ,too, carry each other’s burdens to the cross of Christ and surrender them there. Love doesn’t avoid dealing with sin, but in humility confronts sin and takes it to the cross for freedom and forgiveness. Following Christ is not an individual religion, but a community of faithful people who live the Gospel by walking together with Christ.

“Jesus, love through me, for your glory.”