Bear One Another’s Burdens
Volunteers Pam, Aurelia and Ruby enjoying a volunteer luncheon.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:2
It’s easy to keep things to ourselves, whether that be struggles with sin, issues with a spouse, or dealing with physical ailments. Perhaps we think we can handle things ourselves, without any help. It could be that we think no one will help. Sometimes we don’t want to bother anyone with our troubles. In all three situations, the Bible actually teaches the complete opposite. Whatever the case may be, the Lord has made provisions for His children in many ways.
We know that the Lord has promised never to leave us nor forsake us, as he promised Joshua (Josh. 1:5). The Lord has also promised wisdom from heaven if we ask (James 1:5), comfort to those who mourn (Matt. 5:4), and the Holy Spirit to be with us forever (John 14:16). One of the things that is so often overlooked, for a variety of reasons, is the fact that the Lord has given believers to each other for help in this life. While we may think no one can or will help, or if we think no one can understand, the Bible teaches and commands us to bear one another’s burdens. That means, believers are commanded to invest in the lives of others. This is one of the great designs of the church. The Church of Jesus Christ is a community of kingdom-minded believers who are to love one another, just as Christ has loved us.
For the one who may be in need of a job, it is for the believer to maybe help find a job or help provide for one’s needs temporarily. For the elderly who are sick or not able to get out of the house, it is the family of God that is to step up and help with the needs of those who are in helpless situations. For the couple contemplating divorce, or already divorced, it is the body of Christ that is to carry the burden of brokenness. Martin Luther once wrote, “Christians must have strong shoulders and mighty bones, that they may bear…the weakness of their brethren.”
Thankfully, Jesus Christ has already carried our sin for us on the cross. It was Christ who has “regarded our helpless estate, and has shed His own blood for my soul.” And it is Christ who has given us new life, to follow Him and obey His commandments. He is our High Priest who is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses, who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Life can be messy. We know it’s messy because of the effects of sin, generally and personally. But the Bible is sufficient for every need. We need not hide the messiness of life; instead, we are to “confess our sins to one another and pray for one another” (James 5:16).
Who around you needs help today? Who do you need to invest in today? What burdens are you carrying alone that need to be shared with others? If we help each other bear the load, we fulfill the law of Christ. By doing so, we demonstrate our love for God and our love for our neighbors. May the Spirit of Christ strengthen us as we seek to be obedient to His Word.
Pastor Luis
