We all have commands we follow. But we respond to difference commands in very different ways. Sometimes we’re grumpy, stubborn, and resistant. But sometimes we’re excited, willing, and eager. The nature of the command matters, but so does the command giver. When it’s a command we both want to do and given by someone we love and trust, we’re very eager to carry it out.

       Jesus gives us one final command towards the end of his life. During his final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion Jesus said this: John 13:34, “34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” We love and trust Jesus and loving others sounds nice. This is a command I think, at least in theory, we want to accomplish.

       But how? What does it mean to love one another? Paul tells us in Galatians 6:2, “2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” The “law of Christ” is the new command he gave his disciples: love one another. How? By sharing in each other’s burdens.

       When you volunteer at church to watch kids, to help on Wednesday night, to prepare communion or lead worship, you’re bearing a burden for others. You’re giving up something to serve so that others don’t have to. You’re bearing their burden and in doing that, you’re accomplishing the command of Christ.

       Thank you so much for volunteering. Thank you so much for fulfilling the command of Christ. Thank you for bearing a burden for someone else this Sunday!