Galatians 6 v 1 - 6

As always, Paul moves from the deeply theological to the practical. I think we can agree that our understanding of things affects how we act, so how does what we believe about God affect our daily lives? 1. Be prepared to support those who are struggling. Paul's implication here is that walking the Christian life is not easy and that we will all be overwhelmed and go down wrong paths at times. The Church is here to be a support network. Similarly to Alcoholics Anonymous, we recognise that we cannot do it on our own! 2. Share each other's burdens. So, we should meet regularly in a fellowship, but also meet one-to-one and in small house or cell groups. ''They will know you are Christians by your love for each other''. The horizontal relationship between humans is as important as the vertical relationship with God. When one strand struggles, the other is there to support. 3. Don't continually compare your work with others', either in a 'I'm better than they are' or from a sense of inferiority. Do your work the very best you can. I look around Bearfield in my mind's eye and I see people doing their jobs well and conscientiously, in all the diverse occupations involved. 4. Provide for those who teach you spiritually. I thank you for your spiritual and financial support of me, without which Fi and I couldn't live here. Be realistic. These are things we can do, exercises that will benefit ourselves and others.