Bear one another’s burdens.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” I Thessalonians 3:2
So many of the “one another’s” of the Scripture like “bear one another’s burdens” are often lived out in small groups. This is the place where we really get to know each other. We are part of a growing, vibrant church where new people join us each week. This is a blessing from God, but it also means that we can’t easily care for each other in the large body of Christ. So just as Paul sent Timothy “to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” I Thess. 3:3, I have seen many “Timothys” carrying each other’s burdens in the women’s group I lead and the group I attend in the evening.
Over the past year and half, I have experienced brothers and sisters in Christ holding me up as my husband’s health gradually got worse ending with him going to be with Jesus on December 2. As he struggled through cancer surgery and infections and eventually congestive heart failure, I sometimes was overwhelmed with the physical caring for him and the emotional sadness of watching him struggle. But God sent many from the two small groups to help carry the burden in various ways.
I have often asked the question “how can I help someone – how can I carry their burden.” I now have a living example of that from these friends. I knew they prayed for us – sometimes someone would send a text or email telling me of their prayers or writing a prayer they had prayed for us. Phone calls, cards with notes of encouragement, many delicious meals while he was sick and also after he passed when I wasn’t ready to start cooking for myself. I still have some in my freezer! Gift of a journal with a verse on each page and notes from them to lift me up. One shoveled snow, another brought muffins and came for a visit and invited me to go out for pizza with her. Another helped in planning for the funeral and meals and offered to house an out of town friend. I know that I can call on any of them for help when needed, whether to ask for prayer, to talk or for physical help.
God in His creativity gave others many ways to help carry my burden. Now I will reach out and carry someone’s burden. When you see someone in a hard time, ask God how you can help carry their burden.
Prayer: Father, You have given me the body of Christ. Help me to live out the “one anothers” of bearing someone’s burden. Give me Your direction of what I can do to help.