Heavenly Father, I praise You for the life of Christ here on the earth, for it is the gold standard of how we should live. I praise You for the cross, the empty tomb, and the ascension into heaven, giving us the gift of salvation, the belief in defeating death, and the hope of His return. I praise You for helping me slowly pull out of the deep well of depression and trying to stand assured in my hope.
Holy Spirit, You inspired Paul to write from prison: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [Galatians 6:2, MEV] It is an interesting way to phrase the concept from a man who was in prison awaiting a death sentence. Holy Spirit, there are days when this command is easy, and there are other days when I struggle to comply. To truly fulfill this law, I must at all times put myself last while considering the pain, struggle, and needs of others. I must find a way in life to live contrary to the very culture I am in, which says take care of yourself first. Help me to have eyes that see needs and struggles, and give me the wisdom and understanding of how I can best help them. Give me compassion and Christ-
like love that allows me to fulfill this law with a servant’s heart and with honest cheerfulness and integrity instead of dread and selfishness. Help me to see beyond myself and truly see those around me. Let me renew my mind and truly become a living sacrifice for You, so that I can fulfill a law that You not only gave but lived while here on the earth and still do while on the throne as You pray and advocate for us.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Therefore, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. Amen [Micah 6:8; Micah 7:7]