Double Trouble.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

In one of his sermons, Martin Luther King, Jr. explains “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" Every day we are faced with situations that require us to choose between ourselves and our own interests or the needs of others. There is no debate, our own issues are weighty and it takes no effort at all to spend all of our time trying to take care of personal problems. But, as Christians we are summoned by the Bible to the service of others.

In the Old Testament book of Genesis, Cain kills his brother Abel and then when asked where his brother is responds, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The New Testament answers this question over and over again. We are to serve one another (Gal 5:13), forgive one another (Eph 4:32), exhort one another (Heb 3:12), be hospitable to one another (1 Pet 4:8-10); and even put others and their safety above our own as described in detail by Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). As the Christian understands and begins to live a life of service to others, God’s blessings become a constant reminder that He is pleased with the way we give.

Today, consider someone else and make an effort to lighten their load. Instead of “double trouble” may you experience a double portion of God’s goodness.

Deacon Larry Woodard