Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. – (Galatians 6:2, NLT)
Help each other with your troubles. When you do this, you are obeying the law of Christ. – (Galatians 6:2, ERV)
Love empowers us to fulfill the law of the Anointed One as we carry each other’s troubles. – (Galatians 6:2, TPT)
Yesterday was just one of those days. From my own children fighting on the way to school and work, to students struggling behaviorally all day long, by the time the bell rang to signify the close of the school day, I was exhausted. A few colleagues extended kind and encouraging words as I sought solutions to make preparations to alleviate the difficulties that I could control within my own classroom. Upon returning home, I was greeted by listening ears, that were supportive and solution-oriented. The boys all had work or activities to occupy their evening, so a bonus date night was bestowed upon me. Treasured time to relax and connect were exactly what my heart needed most, and the burden that had weighed so heavily upon me at the end of my school day, had now been lifted and replaced with fresh resolve. Love, help and support make a world of difference to the bearer of burdens, and doing such, is walking in obedience to Christ. May we ever extend help or a listening ear to those who are struggling, for doing so lightens the load and is an act of loving obedience, according to God’s good and perfect will.
May we choose to walk,
With eyes open wide;
Aware of struggles,
And come alongside.
Draw near to hurting,
Burdened or in need;
Help carry the weight,
Let the Lord’s love lead.
For as we draw near,
To help each other;
Burdens become light,
And grace discovered.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are not meant to carry burdens nor struggle alone. Thank You for the people whom You place in our lives that come along side us, and those whom we are meant to walk beside. Forgive us for not reaching out to those we see in the struggle, or for pretending all is well when it is not. Teach us to trust You more, as You are greater than any difficulty we face, and You never leave us nor forsake us. Show us how to love, support and encourage those around us in a way that lightens the load they are bearing. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we both reach out to give and readily receive Your mercy that is new every morning. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. – Psalm 68:19