Bear Another's Burdens

There are many scriptures that come to mind about ministering to those in the body who hurt and are frail. While I see more of the scriptures alive in my church body in this small town, I still do not see it to the extent necessary.

Scripture says to "bear one another's burdens", to "weep with those who weep". This is an entering in to the world of another believer enough to lighten their load and express acceptance. It is more than giving a card, it is giving a hand up from the pits. It is not something left only to Pastors, but a responsbility of the body as interdependent beings.

It is easy to accept the idea for many that scripture speaks of our gifts operating in a portion like the part of a body. But, that scripture says one person is a portion of the body for more reasons than just what they can contribute. It also speaks to how we must receive. Comfort, provision, love - all these things and more God promises us. But, don't you suppose he needs us to do those things. Aren't we His body who functions with Him as head?

When a person is suffering, don't simply stop at a compassionate glance or conversation. Enter into their life. Help with the things that become heavy burdens, even washing dishes or clothes, paying bills, cooking meals. Be determined to lift the burden, to bear it with them. It does not refer to quiet prayers in a sequestered prayer closet. It refers to getting our hands dirty with the daily burdens that make life possible.

Better yet, start this today, without a person having reached a point of suffering. Why not enter into each others' lives when a single day needs a helping hand before things get to a place of suffering.

Think of the great opportunity we have in this society. In a country where families are not so close-knit (geographically and emotionally) and falling apart, we have the chance to build a true church of real family-goers. I believe proximity and Christ is our determination of the family that should care for each other. To pass off someone to a distant blood relative is downright cowardice and contrary to scripture. Our true family is those close enough to minister as a part of our lives.

Blessings to those who realize more fully Christ's commendation to those who meet the simple, physical needs of a person struggling to get by. My commendation to those who enter into others' lives and are not afraid to get their hands dirty in menial tasks. Let's not be so super-spiritual that we forget what simple tasks must get done each day to afford our fine living in America. Let's bear each others' burdens!