“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:12
Carrying another’s burden does not happen incidentally. This deed can only happen intentionally. Embracing yourself in God’s Word empowers you to carry another’s burdens. Notably, there are at least 3 powerful ways we carry each other’s burdens. Sometimes we don’t realize that an act of kindness lifted or lightened a burden.
Think about it. Sometimes all we need is a word of concern from another human. We just need to know somebody cares about what we are going through. And just because somebody is struggling or suffering does not mean that if you show concern they are going to ask you for something. But what if they do? If you have it and can spare it or can live without it then God wants you to be the one who fills a void or supplies a need.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 KJV
- Allow your inner kindness to spread every chance you get when you cross the paths of the broken. Letting your light shine is not a new concept. The Bible gives us several Scriptures that focus on being a light in another’s darkness.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:14–16
2. Giving unselfishly, expecting nothing in return lightens burdens. To give with no strings attached is a gift that just keeps on giving because there is no pressure that accompanies the gift. Wondering how to pay someone back can be a heavy burden. The fact that someone needed help in the first place is a good indication that repaying could be problematic. In fact, the thought of having to do so could cause the person to have second thoughts about accepting a gift or handout.
Actually, if a person is expected to return a favor, money, or a thing those things cannot be labeled a gift. A gift is something given voluntarily without an expectation of payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present. Lastly, it is the act of giving. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/gift
3. Offering solutions to another’s problems can take a weight off their shoulder because they no longer have to search for answers on their own.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 KJV
Not knowing what to do in a potentially life-altering situation can bring about unwelcomed mental or emotional stress. A mother who has no idea how she will acquire food to put on the dinner table needs solutions that solve the problem. If you cross her path and have no food to offer then point her to organizations or a church that does. Or perhaps someone in the family has a little more and is willing to chip in. God expects us to go the extra mile.
“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10 (NIV)
Carrying each other’s burdens can be a natural labor of love if we put the needs of others first. Another thing carrying out the above acts does is contribute to leading souls to Christ. God sends us to tend to situations that on the surface may seem hopeless. However, if we obey He will open our hearts and eyes plus provide directives designed to deliver the lost. The Lord’s directives and instructions are foolproof, they work. We need only trust in him with all our heart and soul. Sometimes the outcome may not appear to be ideal but if He devised the plan the outcome is never less than ideal. Instead, it’s just too complicated for us to comprehend, and that is okay!
