Carrying Each Other's Burdens

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

There’s a myth that’s been long associated with our American experience.  It’s the legend of the self-made man or woman.  The story portrays a person who has persevered against all odds without help from anyone.  They grabbed their bootstraps, gave them a good tug, and managed to lift themselves up.  But let me be clear: this is just a myth.  In real life, no one prevails all alone.  In real life, no one pulls themselves up by their own bootstraps or is singularly responsible for their own success.  Horatio Alger and Santa Claus are equally mythical.  We need each other.  We can’t live our best life without each other.

God in his wisdom designed us to live in community.  He made us social beings who need each other.  Our church family has a number of people who are carrying burdens right now.  Health burdens.  Grief burdens.  And we have the opportunity to help them carry those burdens.  How is God calling you to do that?  A card?  A meal?  A phone call?  A visit?  How can you carry another’s burden?  And if you are the one carrying the burden, please let your brother or sister help you with it.  Not only do you need them, you will be helping them fulfill the law of Christ.