Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotion was written by Angela Gray.

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

Gym memberships are great for getting into shape, but as a teen, the barn was my gym; bags of feed were my weights, and hauling hay became my exercise regimen. Strength and stamina came easily to me then. 

That’s certainly not the case anymore. Health issues and age have brought an end to my heavy-lifting days. Nowadays, I often need someone to help me carry things that have become too heavy for me to handle on my own. 

In Galatians 6, Paul tells us to “Carry each other’s burdens.” He tells us to lift up fellow believers who have stumbled under the weight of burdens, and to restore those who are weighted down by their failures and may have fallen into sin.

Paul says that when we help others carry their burdens, we are fulfilling “the law of Christ”. What is the law of Christ? John 13:34 makes it simple and clear.“…Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”. 

This love was displayed by Jesus when he prayed for Peter. Peter believed he was ready to give his life for Christ, yet just as Jesus had foretold, Peter ended up denying knowing Jesus. After that failure, a broken Peter went out and wept bitterly. 

Even though Jesus knew Peter would stumble and fall, he prayed that Peter would return to him and, one day, strengthen others. In the book of Acts, we read about Peter's boldness after he was restored.

Like Peter, I’ve stumbled and failed Jesus, but Jesus prayed for me, too. He sent fellow believers–some I met through OhSoFree–to uplift me, to help carry my burden, to show me the love of Jesus.  

His love now gives me the strength to pray for others who are weighed down by their burdens and to lift them up as we each grow stronger in our love for Christ and for each other.

If you are struggling, let me encourage you, my friend. Jesus loves you. He sees you. He has prayed for you. He wants to mend the brokenness and restore you today.

Thank you for joining us today. To learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com.