We live in a world where most people have ulterior motive—or at least we think they have an ulterior motive. A lot of folks seem to live their lives based on their own self-interest. It’s almost natural to think about ourselves first. We learn it as kids (that’s why it’s so hard for children to share).That’s why Jesus said “If anyone would come after me, he must DENY HIMSELF and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Paul wrote: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more important than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).So that brings me to what I really want to discuss. Paul tells us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). What that means is – once we become Christians – as a believer we learn to put others before ourselves. To bear their burdens.Now that’s hard, especially when we don’t think others deserve to be treated that way. Some people just annoy us; some disappoint us; and some don’t treat us fairly. There are times when we just don’t get along.Apparently, that was the kind of atmosphere Paul warned us about. In Gal. 5:15, he said, “if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” And in 5:26 Paul writes: “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Then in Galatians 6:1, he says: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you also be tempted.”You and I have got to be careful about that. Because IF we get to the point where we write people off, shun them or talk about them behind their backs… then we’re NOT FOLLOWING Jesus.The night Jesus was betrayed He gathered His disciples in an upper room for the Last Supper, when He washed their feet—all the disciples’ feet! That means He washed Judas’s feet. That is asking us, how do we treat those who may not deserve it, who annoy us, who frustrate us?Paul continues, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). God wants ...
