December4, 2024

Scripture is clear that we need to look out for one another.  We need to carry one another's burdens it says in Galatians 6.  We are not called to struggle in life alone.  We know we have God's help.  We also need to remember that He has placed people into our lives to help us as well.  It can be hard to ask for help, but it honors God when we are honest about our struggles and receive encouragement and help from others.  This is not saying we should be lazy and not carry our share of our own burdens by never taking responsibility for ourselves.  Rather it is an admittance that encouragement and help when needed alongside me doing the best I can by God's help makes a big difference.  

There are two aspects to the is carrying on another's burdens to consider.  First, do we notice the burdens of others?  It can be easy to get so wrapped up in our own lives that we overlook the struggles and needs of others.  Do we have eyes to see where God wants us to help others?   Secondly, we sometimes carry burdens alone that we should not be carrying by ourselves.  Are we willing to admit when we can use help?  Help can simply mean prayer and encouragement, or it can mean something like more or aid in fixing something.  It doesn't mean we give up responsibility for our lives but rather we allow others to see that there is opportunity to help lighten our load.  Do you believe that it is a blessing to give and to help others?  When you never allow people the chance to help or encourage you there is a possibility that you are not given them the chance to be used by God as He desires for them to be used.  Church was not designed to be a gathering where we always pretend to be "okay".  Church was designed as a place where when we are not "okay" we get better by together.  Let's bear one another's burdens.