Life can be very hard and even harder if you try to do it alone. Yet, so many of us want help from others but aren’t willing or don’t notice that others need help too. We live a very self centered life or a life lacking awareness.
But Paul reminds us that we are near the burdens of others which fulfills the law of Christ. Let’s unpack that for just a moment.
Bearing burdens immediately tells us we need to be aware of each others and we need to be the type of person who people will comfortable bearing their burdens to. Does this mean we need to carry EVERYONE’S burdens? No. What it does mean is that we need to be the type of person who is aware enough to notice someone is struggling and offer to help in some way. We need to be the type of person who people feel comfortable coming to talk to about their burdens. We need to be a good listener. We neee to be able to keep confidences. We need to be trustworthy. We need merciful.
When we do this we fulfill the law of Christ. How? Because Jesus told us that we are to love our neighbors as our selves (Matthew 7). The two foundational commandments are to love God and love others. When we bear the burdens of others, we are serving them and showing them love which is what God has commanded our life to be – a life of service.
Finally, bearing others burdens helps bring us closer to Christ because He is the ultimate example of one who carries the burdens for others. He bears our griefs and sorrows. He carries our sins away. He died on the cross carrying the weight of the sins of all of mankind. When we bear the burdens of others, we become more life Jesus.
So, don’t live a self focused life. Open your eyes and ears and heart. Help someone else carry their load and in doing so you will mimic the example of Jesus. And remember, you don’t have to go through your burdens alone. You can find help. Let others help you carry the load.
We are called to bear the burdens of others. So, get to lifting. #createdformore #APurposeDrivenLife
Adonai's Appeal 