A while back, I wrote a post called “Bearing the Burden.”
It addressed the commandment that we bear one another’s burdens, found in Galatians 6:2.
Lately in more than one conversation, I have heard comments concerning how this is often not the case. One of the things I have heard repeatedly is that people are often “busy” and don’t take time to involve themselves with the struggles of others in the family of God. They have their own families, their own struggles, their own things to deal with. On the surface, this seems to be a justifiable reason. The time is just not there to get overly involved with others. So folks do what they can; however, sometimes hurting people need more than a Facebook comment or a quickie email. If that is the best we can do, we are falling short.
In the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) Jesus talked about the cares of this world choking out the word of God (Mark 4:19). We are commanded to bear one another’s burdens in order to fulfill the “law of Christ.” What is the simplest and purest description of the “law of Christ?” Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” The way that He loved (and loves) us was with the ultimate expession of love, giving His life as a ransom for us. Sometimes we have to do what is not convenient, not pleasant, or not easy. We may have to sacrifice something. In fulfilling this commandment of Christ we are told to bear one another’s burdens. If we fail to do this, to hold to this conviction, we are failing to love.
Another thing I have heard is that people sometimes don’t reach out. This one sometimes comes from the fear of offending someone, not wanting to violate someone’s privacy, or even uncertainty about whether or not it is the right thing to do. In most cases, it is best to reach out. Sharing the love of God is never a mistake, even if someone has trouble receiving it. If we make a mistake trying to do what is right, God will forgive. Probably the offended party will as well. It reminds me of the old saying, “Do something, even if it’s wrong.” Fear of failure or making a mistake should never stop us from trying to be obedient to God. If He gave us the commandment, He is able to give us the grace to obey it properly, and He is able to make things work out if we miss the mark.
Whether we realize it or not, we are connected. We are also created for relationship with God and with others. Let’s get involved and loft one another up.
Be blessed and have a great day.
