Do you ever speak out of both sides of your mouth?

Do you ever accuse other people of doing the same?

Is it possible that they are, while seeming to contradict themself, getting at something deeper and more paradoxical?

Paul says, in one sentence that we should bear one another's' burdens.

Then, a bit later, he says that everyone has to bear their own burden.

There is no magical Greek solution here. It is a paradox … two seemingly opposite truths that are both true at the same time.

My attitude toward your burden must be that I am here to help in any way that I can that will not harm you or rob you of your dignity and responsibility.

My attitude toward my own burden must be that I am responsible to do my part and carry my load.

That would seem very confusing to me except for one thing: I have had role models who have fleshed that beautifully for me as they have lived out their lives in my presence.

Read on:
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Galatians 5:25-6:10 (NRSV):

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit."

"Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another."

"My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. "
"
Take care that you yourselves are not tempted"

"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Take a Paul Pause in Your Reading
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Tom's question and comment:
What is "the law of Christ?"
Answer: LOVE

Back to Paul:

"For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride."

"For all must carry their own loads."

"Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher."

"Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit."

"So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up."

"So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith."

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Sow in the Spirit.
Live in the Spirit.
Be guided by the Spirit.

Do good to others.
Carry your load.
Help others carry their load.

Don't give up.
Harvest time is coming!

Prophecy – προφητεία – is "forth-telling" rather than just "fore-telling."

It is speaking truth forward in proclamation and even in speaking encouragement toward a future reality that is understood through insights that God gives.

It is not clairvoyance or mere prediction. It is laying out a reality and applying a scriptural promise in a setting or to a people who need the a word of hope and promise.

It is an interpretive gift that creates an "aha!" moment in the heart of the hearer who is truly prepared by God to receive the message.

True prophecy begins with what God wants to say to a person, people, or situation, usually flows directly from scripture and always in accordance with scripture, is surgically applied, and is received with recognition. It is not fortune telling and it will not help you win the lottery, but it can encourage a discouraged heart and edify a wounded soul.

The world has always been indifferent and hostile to the values of those who center their core convictions in the prophetic and merciful Word of God. That will continue and so will our mandate to speak truth to power, stand with the oppressed, be misunderstood, be in a minority, and be faithful to truth.

No political system represents us.

We are sojourners, We are peculiar people.

We pray for our leaders and pray with hope that hearts and policies can be shaped by truth. We also must hold every system accountable for justice in unpopular causes and for marginalized people who are mistrusted and hated. Whoever you supported leading up to yesterday, you have a big job ahead if you will truly follow Jesus in the areas of His biases – to pray – act- speak – and sometimes resist. Our King is in the midst and He is King.

"God has taken his place in the divine council;

in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:

'How long will you judge unjustly

and show partiality to the wicked? Selah

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;

maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

Rescue the weak and the needy;

deliver them from the hand of the wicked.'"

(Psalm 82:1-4 ESV)