Share each other’s burdens????
Doesn’t God realize I have enough of my own?
Of course He does.
He also knows that if you’re helping others carry their burdens and they’re helping you carry yours, the burdens are lighter and less likely to become overwhelming.
Imagine carrying a couch. Alone you can maybe lift one end and drag the rest along – likely scuffing and damaging the couch and stopping every couple feet. If one other comes along, they can lift the other end and keep it from being dragged. If more come alongside, the weight is lightened and you won’t have to stop as you go.
Same with every emotional, mental, and spiritual burden we bear. If we will come alongside that believer who is bent double under the weight and help them, they are better able to stand upright and face what is there to be carried.
So many of us deny others the opportunity to be this one who shares our burdens, though. We keep things to ourselves. We don’t want to burden others. Hello? God said this is exactly what we’re supposed to be doing!
I can often see through the “I’m fine” with some people, noting that they really aren’t fine. But some are able to hide those burdens really well. Those folks are preventing God’s people from living as He told them, and I think that’s a behavior to re-evaluate.
Not everyone is as open about all that is going on in their lives as me, and I get that. But we need to allow someone to come in and help us lift that couch. Whatever that couch is: grief of one who passed, sorrow over a prodigal, fear because of a diagnosis, pain of a sickness… whatever we’re carrying.
And those who can help? We need to be paying attention. Did that person who just said, “I’m fine” do so with eyes cast down, no smile, no energy? It may be time to take them aside and ask what’s wrong. Press a little. Stop and pray for them right then.
Our culture has grown us out of this and it’s time to revert! It’s time to become radical about noticing our God-siblings and show the love of Christ through lifting their couch and helping them carry it. And if you’re the one with the couch, it’s time to admit you need help with it and allow someone to lift.
Oh, I know. You’ve asked in the past and got nothing but crickets. Been there. Ask someone else. Keep asking. Mostly, ask God who you’re supposed to ask, then no matter how insane that request of that person seems, ask!
So, here’s today’s challenge: Look at the people with whom you speak today. Really look. Notice them beyond their words and act accordingly.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable and noticed. You don’t have to be strong all by yourself.
Let’s go lift that couch!
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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