Galatians 2:19-21 (NKJV)
19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
We all struggle with boundaries. If you don’t set good boundaries, you can find yourself in a place of resentment. In fact, no matter what we have agreed to do, there comes a time of doubt. Why did I say I would do this? What was I thinking? We do not always realize the full extent of the commitment when we first agree. The life of service to others is usually difficult but always rewarding. When you live as God asks of you, He will always rewards you.
Paul tells us how we are to live. Many were trying to live according to the letter of the law and not paying attention to the Spirit of the law. They did exactly what it said without concern for why it was written. Faith in the “why” of the law, which was faith in Christ, is how we should follow. Jesus summed that up when He said “love your neighbor as yourself.” You should look out for the interests of others above your own so as to be generous. Only Christ was able to give Himself up for others. He literally died so that you and I may fully live. Treat others like you would have them treat you. The only way to do that is to follow Jesus lead and to die to self. That is a tall order!
Have you ever been a caregiver? If you have children or an ill spouse or aging parents, you know what I mean? Do you feel overwhelmed by all you have to do and wonder how it will all get done? You probably wonder about any “me” time. When will that ever happen? You can get so caught up in your role that you lose yourself. So how do you draw boundary lines around caring? Can that be done? How do you specify how much you are going to care? This is really tough. And if you lose them, where does that leave you? These are very difficult questions. The thing to remember is that you do not walk this path alone. Giving yourself up for others was the path that Christ walked for you and me and He went before us. He set the perfect example. He died to self and rose again to live for and in us. Would it not stand to reason that the One who raised Christ from the dead would protect, renew and restore us if we give ourselves up for another? By the grace of God, you will endure, be blessed and be a blessing! I don’t know the answers but He does. Listen and follow His lead by faith and the Spirit.
Lord, thank You that You gave Yourself up for us. Who are we that You are mindful of us? You tell us we are your beloved children. As such, teach us how to share that love with others. Help us to give of ourselves freely knowing that You will protect and restore us fully. Help us to live for You. Give us the strength to do what You would have us do. May the love You poured out for us work through us allowing us to love others as You have loved. In Your name we pray! Amen!