Fulfilling the Law of Christ

Andrew Davison once wrote about visiting Dr. Albert Schweitzer at his mission hospital in Lambarene on the banks of the Ogowe River. There was one occasion that really stood out for Davidson.

One morning just before noon, a group of visitors and Dr. Schweitzer were climbing a hill as the sun was beating down on them. All of a sudden, the 85-year-old Schweitzer, left the group. He crossed the incline and approached a local African woman who was struggling to carry a huge bundle of wood. Davidson said that he watched with both admiration and concern as this elderly man took the whole load of wood and carried it up the hill for this very relieved woman.

When the visitors reached the top, one of them asked Dr. Schweitzer why he would ever do such a thing in that heat – at his age. Albert Schweitzer said simply, “No one should ever have to carry a burden like that alone.”

My prayer for you is that you would not ever have to bear a heavy burden alone. May God grant you the courage to ask for help when you need it. And, may God surround you with good people – people who will listen to you and pray for you and help you when you need it most.

In a similar vein, while we may not be able to physically bear other people’s burdens like Dr. Schweitzer, we all can stay attuned to other people’s struggles and needs. Even if we can’t assist physically, we certainly can help them get the help they need.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia, “Bear one another’s burdens and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Let us pray: We thank you, Loving God, that you are ever present – that your love and grace surround us at every moment. We also thank you for the people in our lives who make a difference. For those who serve us and for those who love us and for those who pray for us, we give you thanks. Empower us to reach out to others, to listen, to help, to serve, and to show our love – in your name – following in the footsteps of your Son Jesus; in whose name we pray. Amen.