SUNDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM
HUMILITY ~ A prominent Christian grace (Romans 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Peter 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Psalm 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22).

Christ has set us an example of humility (Philippians 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lamentations 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Proverbs 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Psalm 147:6; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; 1 Peter 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Christianity that it makes humility the avenue to glory."

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

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

He shows that this is the end of rebukes, to raise up our brother who is fallen, and not proudly to oppress him. Therefore every one must seek to have praise of his own life by approving himself, and not by rebuking others.

Sympathize with, and assist, each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials. And so fulfil the law of Christ - The law of Christ (an uncommon expression) is the law of love: this our Lord peculiarly recommends; this He makes the distinguishing mark of His disciples.

It becomes us to bear one another's burdens, as fellow-travellers. It is very common for a man to look upon himself as wiser and better than other men, and as fit to dictate to them. Such a one deceives himself; by pretending to what he has not, he puts a cheat upon himself, and sooner or later will find the sad effects. This will never gain esteem, either with God or men. Every one is advised to prove his own work. The better we know our own hearts and ways, the less shall we despise others, and the more be disposed to help them under infirmities and afflictions.

We must please our neighbour, for the good of his soul; not by serving his wicked will, and humouring him in a sinful way; if we thus seek to please men, we are not the servants of Christ.

Christ's whole life was a self-denying, self-displeasing life. He bore the presumptuous sins of the wicked; we are called only to bear the failings of the weak. And should not we be humble, self-denying, and ready to consider one another, who are members one of another?

The same disposition ought to mark the conduct of His servants, especially of the strong towards the weak. The great end in all our actions must be, that God may be glorified; nothing more than this, showing others the mutual love and kindness of those who profess God.

God's Blessings to each of you,
LJG/rECj