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Be A Burden Bearer
‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’ Galatians 6:2 NIV
Everyone you meet is hiding something, and it’s not because they’re deceptive. It’s because some wounds are too personal to talk about. When you receive a harsh word from your husband, the pain can be too deep to discuss. Or when your husband hears acid words from you, he’s crushed inside but can’t show it. So you both go off to lick your wounds, and try to avoid comments and questions from others.
Is that where you are today—struggling with something too difficult to talk about? If so, remember other people are doing the same! Often their anger is a symptom of their hurt, and their seeming aloofness is just hiding their fear of being rejected. Jesus saw the best in people and went out of His way to be gracious and lift their burdens. Do you remember how He treated the woman caught in the act of adultery? (See John 8:1–11.) He lifted her up, because with Him every weed is a potential rose!
Remind yourself that others are going through things they’re not discussing with you. They’re crying tears you don’t see and feeling isolated in ways you can’t imagine. So instead of adding to their burden, try to ease it. You may be the only healer that crosses their path today.
This is not to suggest we should be enablers of those who won’t carry their own burdens. Just a few verses later, Paul says, ‘For each one should carry their own load.’ (Galatians 6:5 NIV) When you help lift the burden of those who really need it, God will lift yours. The Bible says, ‘The Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.’ (Ephesians 6:8 NIV)
Today, ask God to help you help others.
written by Bob Gass
‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’ Galatians 6:2 NIV
Everyone you meet is hiding something, and it’s not because they’re deceptive. It’s because some wounds are too personal to talk about. When you receive a harsh word from your husband, the pain can be too deep to discuss. Or when your husband hears acid words from you, he’s crushed inside but can’t show it. So you both go off to lick your wounds, and try to avoid comments and questions from others.
Is that where you are today—struggling with something too difficult to talk about? If so, remember other people are doing the same! Often their anger is a symptom of their hurt, and their seeming aloofness is just hiding their fear of being rejected. Jesus saw the best in people and went out of His way to be gracious and lift their burdens. Do you remember how He treated the woman caught in the act of adultery? (See John 8:1–11.) He lifted her up, because with Him every weed is a potential rose!
Remind yourself that others are going through things they’re not discussing with you. They’re crying tears you don’t see and feeling isolated in ways you can’t imagine. So instead of adding to their burden, try to ease it. You may be the only healer that crosses their path today.
This is not to suggest we should be enablers of those who won’t carry their own burdens. Just a few verses later, Paul says, ‘For each one should carry their own load.’ (Galatians 6:5 NIV) When you help lift the burden of those who really need it, God will lift yours. The Bible says, ‘The Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.’ (Ephesians 6:8 NIV)
Today, ask God to help you help others.
written by Bob Gass
