Bear Each Other's Burdens

Brothers and sisters, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:1-10

I am recently back from visiting our youngest in Boston. While we were there we had lots of snow, just like many folks did during the week. We really don't need any more snow. When we were driving home, we came across trucks along the highway pushing back the accumulated ice and snow, in preparation for yet another ice and snowstorm. The burden of all of this weather has collapsed many a building and has collapsed many of the wills of individuals to go out and face it yet again. We are sturdy folks for the most part and welcome some challenges, like winter weather and such. Sometimes the burdens get to be too much and we collapse under the weight. When others help us the burden is lighter and bearable somehow.

The letter writer to Galatians, knows how fragile the human spirit can be and how limited we are in bearing great burdens. The writer knows we are all easily crushed and easily given to failure and temptation. And he encourages us to reach out to one another, tenderly sharing the burden and the repair of relationships. We are not to be one another's judge, but one another's supporters. Love shared burdens and makes light the load of the weary.

Today, I ask God to help me to see those who are suffering and in need of help. I ask God to help me bear other people's burdens and to be kind in every word and action. God calls us to share the burdens of others and I ask God to help me be faithful in the sharing of all of life's burdens today.