The dictionary defines "burden" as "a heavy load." Burdens - - - we all have them. Sometimes, it feels like our particular burden will stay with us for the rest of our earthly days. And, sometimes, it does. Other burdens are more temporary. Regardless, we are instructed in Galatians 6 to help our fellow man (and our brothers/sisters in Christ in particular) with their burdens, to share them, to help carry them.
6 1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
When the Body of Christ behaves in this way, we are living out the "life law" that Jesus gave us - - - stated another way as "love one another" (John 13:34).
Some of us in the "household of faith" are better at this than others because we have the gift of "seeing". Do you know people like that? They can see or ascertain when someone has a need. Many of us are too busy to take a good look at others and see their needs.
The other day I was in the grocery store, when I saw that this little, old lady had dropped a plastic container of cut fruit. It was all over the floor, and it was obvious (key word being "obvious") that she was incapable of getting down there to pick it up. So I picked it up, took it to the trash, gave her a smile and went on my way. This is an example of an obvious burden that this lady had, a flagrant need.
There have also been times when my world has collided with that of another needy person, and I have not been able to see his or her need and respond appropriately. It was not until after the moment had passed that I realized what had occurred. At those times, I have been very frustrated with my lack of discernment. I don't have a heaping helping of the gift of "seeing", as do some of my more compassionate, tender-hearted friends.
The point is that we need to pray for "eyes that see" and "ears that hear". And then, we need to respond accordingly.
Paul points out that some burdens are caused by the choice to sin, rather than choosing God's better way. People make such choices because of the belief that sin will ease the pain that living often brings. It is our responsibility to share lovingly and meekly with others about the all-sufficient love of Jesus - - - sufficient to bandage every wound, heal every hurt. It is all about Him and His amazing grace, the bottomless well of His love.
Paul speaks of meekness here. What is meekness, anyway? Some believe that it means to let people run all over you or trample you like a doormat. Not so! True meekness (1) begins with humility, not thinking ourselves better than others, combined with (2) a quiet confidence in the Truth. Meekness is so critical to helping others bear their burdens because if we do that good work in an attitude of spiritual pride, arrogance and/or condescension, we run the risk of being blind to our own sins...not to mention greatly offending the recipient of our self-centered efforts to "help".
You may think that it is impossible to help others with their burdens because of your own. But, that is a lie and a deception of Satan. Jesus calls all of us to lay our burdens on Him. His corresponding promise is that He will uphold and sustain us through times of trial. Here is the explicit promise, in two verses:
Throw your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you.
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Heave ho! is a nautical expression used by sailors when they were throwing overboard unnecessary items. Christ invites us to give our burdens to Him, to give them the old "heave ho!" And, likewise, as the Lord brings into our lives those who will help us to bear our burdens, we must let them! Some of us, in a misguided attempt to be "spiritual" will not allow those God sends to help. Often, this makes the burden heavier and causes more pain.
I'm thinking of a situation in the past where I was upset over a situation over which I had no control. My fleshly answer to this was to "control the things I could". In so doing, I lifted something too heavy, or lifted it incorrectly, and injured my back, making the former situation even worse.
Christ longs to carry us through times of pain and suffering. He stands with outreached arms, pleading to embrace us. He commands us to imitate Him by embracing others and helping them bear their burdens as well. And, to give Jesus all the glory in so doing.
Come ye sinners, poor and needy
Weak and wounded, sick and sore,
Jesus ready stands to save you
Full of pity, love and power
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh! There are ten thousand charms!
from, "I Will Arise and Go to Jesus", by Joseph Hart, 1759
Good morning, Lord! Thank you for this beautiful day which You have made. Thank you for the right to heave all of our burdens on You and for the opportunity to "live You!" by bearing the burdens of others. In Jesus' name, amen.
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