The Law of Christ

[Edana]

Galatians 6:2 says that the law of Christ is to bear one anothers burdens. I admit that this is a brand new concept to me. I've been focused on a whole other law while hiding safely away here in my own burdens. But obviously this is very important. So tell me, how do you personally bear others burdens?

[dancingqueen]

One way is to listen to others, show empathy for them, which does not take their burden away but it may lesson it.

[Dawn]

I just always try to help people out as much as possible even though I am not a Christian.

[Yosemite Joy]

Obviously I don't live by any biblical laws, but I bear the burden of others by donating time, food, money to charities whenever I can. I listen to my friends, help them with problems they have.

I'm sure that though this is a new concept to you, that you've been doing it without being told to by a book/God/whatnot. Most people help another out.

A few weeks ago my child unbuckled his seatbelt and my husband pulled over abruptly and maybe someone thought he had broken down. They pulled over and turned back-but by the time the good citizen got to the car all was buckled and safe. My husband was driving away. If in fact he had been broken down (not just broken patience with an unruly child) they would have helped him with his burden and done something to help.

[Red Mule]

For me, this would mean to "walk a mine in another's shoes" before you start judging them. Obviously, you can't always actually repeat their every action, but you can do your best to try and imagine how life looks to them and then show compassion for their problems. You may find that you have more in common with others than you think. Even for those that look or believe differently.

You might even find yourself offering a hand in friendship and offering to share their burdens before voting on something that makes their life more difficult.

[yosemitewriter]

Some of the most caring, helpful and generous people I know are atheists. So please don't try to equate being a good person with religion. They are not dependent on each other.

[kellieflan]

Part of the beauty and elegance of bearing the burdens of another is to do so quietly, without the expectation of reward, but in the course of every day actions. To live in service is to really live - to serve a child, to care for a home, to mind a business, be a social activist, help in schools, volunteer, watch out for animals, sponsor a child, and first and foremost, to keep one's own self fit and comfortable, to continue to serve... Whether this simple. compassionate approach to living is the "Law of Christ" is open to one's interpretation, yet is certainly seems to be "what Jesus would do."

Edana, what you have said about caring for your husband is, in itself, bearing the burdens of another... you have done more already than you credit yourself for. What you are studying now as the "Law of Christ" is guidance we can all honor in our own way, with our own edicts and ethics firmly in place. I believe we are all more the same than not, and want more of the same than not, despite our, perhaps, apparent differences of religion or politics.

[Red Mule]

And Buddism teaches: True wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring.

I think it shouldn't matter where someone gains a greater understanding, it is enough that they have found it. Even if it comes to them from out of nowhere as they walk through the woods.

[dancingqueen]

Some of the postings on this thread have been so beautiful, what Red Mule wrote just touched my heart. I don't know you very well Edana, so this morning I went pack and read some of your old postings. What I do know about you now is that you certainly have concern and compassion for others. I would like to know you better.

[Edana]

Thanks guys. I wasnt really looking for religous debate, just expressing this in the terms I understand best. I considered looking up similar sayings from other religions but I figured someone else would probably know them off hand and Mystee already has the Ghandi saying on her sig. I find it really interesting that most of the people who answered are not Christian. Great answers, thanks a lot.

Dancingqueen, you probably already know me. I used to be Californee_Girl but for some reason I couldnt keep my nic in the switch. Im ok with that. People change.

Thanks again! :)