MUSINGS ON CHRISTIAN HARMONY, #2: What do you need?

One of the beautiful things about Christian harmony is the opportunity to bear one another’s burdens. In fact, Galatians 6:2 says that by doing so we will “fulfill the law of Christ.”

Bearing someone’s burden is the law of Christ because it’s the way He lived when here on earth. He carried each weakness and sorrow like it was His own (Matthew 8:17; compare Isaiah 53:4). In addition, He gave a new commandment to His followers: “Love one another” (John 13:34); and we have the chance to “fulfill” that law-- to add what is lacking until the container is full.

It’s not that the Lord Jesus is unable to help His followers with their burdens today. He is! Still, He’s not here in person. We are. We actually have the opportunity to join in and complete the work that Jesus began.

That’s why it’s a beautiful expression of Christian harmony to notice what other Christians need. Perhaps there is a grieving husband whose wife has gone to heaven. We go visit, and we say, “I just want you to know I’m here. What do you need? I want to bear this burden with you.” 

Of course, we would never leave such a man’s house and say, “I can’t believe he never asked me what I need! He is so self-centered!” We understand that he is grieving. Right now, it’s more about him than about us.

Now, stay with me. If you are a Christian who is white, and you have Christian friends who are black, the way to fulfill the law of Christ is to go and ask them what they need right now. I know that you have burdens too. But they are grieving and fearful and anxious and maybe angry. They can feel the police officer’s knee on their own necks, and they wonder if it would ever happen to their sons. I know this is true because I have heard it in more than one conversation with my friends.

One day those friends will help you carry one of your burdens, too. But right now, it’s more about them than about you. Don’t be insulted or skeptical if they say they need you. In the Church, we are members of one another, and this is your next chance to fulfill the law of Christ.