Pentecost Week NIne - Better Together - Day 1

Day One of Better Together Primer - Ready?

OK - Just as you got settled into my routine (noticed I said you - not me) I am going to change it up a smiggin.  I am going to post a NEW individual blog each day this week instead of six days in one blog container. As each day will be a different NT author (mostly) this will allow the blog to stand on it's own.  

The total of the six-days on this topic will be what I preach on next Sunday.  Likewise, you will be able to comment on each day - please do.  

I'm going to try and make this a bit interactive through the comments BUT I have to literally approve each comment individually. That means I have to keep checking my dashboard.   Not a problem but sometimes Im not at a computer to promptly enable your pithy words. But I will try!

NOTE:  I am not providing the scripture text here this week.  You have to read the scripture  in the reading plan in the bible app. I wont put it here.

New here?
Read todays scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.

After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion. Feel free to comment.

Day 1: Mutual Support and Encouragement

What does it mean to be Better Together? 

Life is often a journey filled with challenges, uncertainties, and burdens. As a church family, God calls us to walk this journey together, offering mutual support and encouragement.

Today’s scriptures remind us that we are truly “better together” when we carry each other’s burdens and offer hope to the weary. Anyone weary or burdened?  Work, Family, relationships, yourself (lol)?

NT Scripture: Galatians 6:2 – Context:
Paul’s letter to the Galatians focuses on the freedom believers have in Christ and the responsibility that comes with it. In Galatians 6:2, Paul exhorts the church to live out their faith by bearing one another’s burdens. Not to get into each other’s business, but to come alongside as needed.

This verse comes in the context of Paul’s teaching about living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). To live by the Spirit is to reflect the character of Christ, and one way to do this is by helping others in their struggles. If you are not quite sure how to do this you might want to reread the weekly blog about getting to know YOUR personal Holy Spirit:

Find Easter Season - Week Seven – 2025 – then find Saturday – all the way at the end.

Understanding Galatians 6:2
The word “burdens” in this verse (from the Greek word baros) implies something heavy, overwhelming, or difficult to bear alone. The Jewish law consists of 613 commandments: 248 positive ("do this") and 365 negative ("don’t do this").  Paul said that is too hard to do!  I agree! That would be exhausting.  BTW – when a Rabi selects the collection of laws they want to emphasize that is called a “Yoke.”

Here, Paul is encouraging believers to step into each other’s lives in a practical and compassionate way. By carrying each other’s burdens, we become living examples of Christ’s love and grace.

Paul links this act of burden-bearing to fulfilling the “law of Christ.” This phrase refers to Jesus’ commandment to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). For most of us it is impossible to imagine how to love as much as Jesus loves us.  (For me I’d rather ask How Tall is God! Immeasurable right).  

So this is the first part of the work to Love like Jesus love us – try to figure out what that means. Here is a hint - it’s not just about empathy or kindness—it’s about embodying Christ’s sacrificial love.

OT Support: Isaiah 35:3-4
The Old Testament passage in Isaiah offers a beautiful parallel to Paul’s exhortation. Isaiah speaks to a people who are weary and fearful, encouraging them to be strong and to trust in God’s coming salvation.

The imagery of strengthening “feeble hands” and steadying “knees that give way” is deeply practical. It reminds us that encouragement is not just words—it is action. Just as Isaiah reassures the fearful that God will come to save them, we too are called to remind one another of God’s faithfulness and presence.

Living This Out Daily
As a church, our theme “Better Together” reminds us that no one is meant to carry their burdens alone. Mutual support and encouragement are not optional—they are central to who we are as followers of Christ.

Here are some ways we can live out this wisdom:

1. Be Present: Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is our presence. Sit with someone in their pain, listen without judgment, and let them know they are not alone.
2. Practical Help: Offer tangible support, whether it’s preparing a meal, running errands, or helping with childcare.
3. Speak Hope: Share scripture, prayers, or words of encouragement that point back to God’s promises.
4. Pray Together: Prayer is a powerful way to carry each other’s burdens. Lift up your brothers and sisters in Christ before the throne of grace.

Reflect and Respond

• Comment Prompt: Share a time when someone encouraged or supported you in a meaningful way. How did it impact your faith?
• Challenge: Identify one person in your life who may be struggling. Reach out to them today if you can – or at least this week - and offer your support, whether through words, actions, or prayer.

Day one Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to reflect the love of Christ by strengthening one another.
Help us, as Your church, to embrace the call to be “better together.”
Teach us to carry each other’s burdens with compassion and to offer hope and encouragement to the weary.
Remind us of Your faithfulness, and unite us in Your Spirit so that together, we can face any challenge.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.


Let me know what you think of this format for this week!