"Share each others burdens..." Galatians 6:2a (NLT)
"There are times when all of us find ourselves in the trenches in life -- those deep places we can't seem to climb our way out of. Sometimes those places involve decisions of our own, where we made a conscious choice to do something that wound up hurting us. Other times, someone made a decision for us that put us there, without our permission. Either way, there is a need - a need for someone to understand, someone to listen, someone to be available for us, to grieve with us and cry with us -- no matter how dark it may be.
A speaker once shared how in her community, it was not unusual for poeple to sit with one another for up to seven days during times of loss and grief. How important and amazing that aspect of community could be to us in our greatest moments of pain -- those moments we find ourselves in a deep trench from which we won't easily emerge.
"Share each others burdens..." refers to this beautiful aspect of friendship. For the believer, this is not a suggestion. It is something Jesus expects us to do as we represent Him. One of the best ways we spread the love of Christ is through our selfless acts of love and serving another. It's not easy to share in someone else's burden, but it is what Jesus does for us." (Lisa Whittle - Encouragement for Today)
As this school year begins, let's keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunity to get in the trenches and share in the burdens of another. Perhaps it will mean taking the time to pray with another believer who is in need, giving a hand to a co-worker who is overwhelmed with teaching responsibilities, or listening with an open heart to a student who who is struggling.
Dear Lord, we are grateful that there is no trench too deep, no place too dark that you can't reach us. it is because of You we are never alone. Thank You for Your care and faithful love. Help us to share in the burdens of another, and seek You in our greatest moment of need. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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