Fulfilling the Law of Christ
As we move through these early days of August, I think back on one year ago and realize that it was during this time that I was fighting for my life. My body was in crisis and my condition had rapidly deteriorated. I am thankful for the prayers of so many and to be reflecting on those days and not living out those days!
This morning Debbie and I attended the Southern Gables Church “Day by Day” Sunday School Class. This class has led the way in support through prayers, cards, donations and following my progress. One of my rehab goals was to visit this class as soon as possible. I am thankful that I was able to do so even stronger than I would have anticipated. It was special to be able to thank people in person, and share a report of my journey. I know they were encouraged to see the visual representation of their answered prayers. I have many friends in the church and it is always great to visit there and to connect with as many as possible. (see picture)
Later in the day we connected with our friends Glenn and Mary Janssen. We enjoyed visiting with them over lunch and sharing an update on my recovery and some of our recent activities. We then paid a visit to my mother and allowed her to get acquainted with our dog.
9 News Denver recently did an update on my recovery. You can find the video new report by going to 9news.com and searching for “Ken Summers West Nile.”
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ….And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:2,9
Jesus summarized the Law of Moses as, “loving God with your entire being and loving your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:28-31) This is the “law of Christ.” In Galatians 5:14 Paul says, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Paul asserts that bearing one another’s burdens is the practical demonstration of obeying (fulfilling) the “law of Christ.” This goes beyond feelings of affection. Paul is talking about the way we live our lives and how we conduct our lives in front of others. For love to be genuine it has to be back by actions. 1 John 3:18 (CEV) says, “Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.”
I am thankful for being one on the “receiving end” of many people committed to fulfilling the law of Christ. Family members and friends over the last year have earnestly prayed and served our practical needs. We are so grateful for this expression of love for God and love shown for us. The number of people is great and the way individuals have come alongside and bore the burden of my illness is as great. People have sent cards, visited, helped out at the house, donated to our “medical relief fund” (which has been a tremendous blessing this year) brought in food and in many other ways have been more than willing to do what they could to ease our burden.
The second verse above is found later in the context of Galatians 5. It is an important one and one that I have needed to keep me going from time to time. “Don’t grow weary in doing good…” Certainly balance is important and at times people do get weary and need rest. But this verse shows us that it is important to keep serving, to keep helping, to keep praying for others. As we do the Lord provides us the strength we need and the “harvest” we need as we sow into other people’s lives.
I believe the Lord has allowed that to happen for us. In other words, the years of serving and coming alongside of others to help “carrying their burdens” has resulted in an abundant harvest of help in our time of need. Our continued gratitude to all those who individually and collectively have help “carry our burden” this past year and continue to do so.