Carry Each Other’s Burdens
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, your commands are sound and true. Please give us the strength and compassion we need to follow your commands to support those around us who are in need. Help us to show others a love like the never-ending love you pour on us.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
REFLECT:
The scripture above rings loud and true when thinking about the experience of my wife and I while members of a long-lasting Home Team. Upon reflection, it seems amazing how few major challenges, health and otherwise, were experienced by our families. That said, in reality we still had our share of difficulties. And maybe my impression upon reflection really makes the point: though we all had our share of struggles, our struggles were shared.
No one worked through their burdens alone. A life-threatening newborn disease was navigated together. Job loss, training and career explorations were a group project. When someone fell ill, everyone else filled the gaps and then some. If any of us had tried to manage our obstacles as individuals we may have fallen, and our problems might have become what defined us. As it was, in fulfilling the law of Christ by supporting each other, our impossible times became possible. We were stronger together.
APPLY:
There are no guarantees in this world. Even if we do everything just the way God asks us to, it doesn’t mean the results will make sense or seem right to us. My encouragement is to engage with the Church body in some way. If you’re already there, open your hearts to the possibility of being involved in a new way. If you can’t imagine a new type of involvement at this time, pray about it and listen for what God wants for you.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for being so clear about how to live life to the fullest. This world is not our home, which makes it all the more important that we heed your advice. Thank you for your infinite patience as we find ourselves so often challenged to do just that.
WORSHIP: