Counter Culture: Carry One Another’s Burdens — Wednesday
Galatians 6:2
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (NLT)
I know a number of thinkers. You know… our friends who tend to focus on the data. “Just the facts, please…” Emotion is not admissible as a credible witness. Maybe you know them, or maybe it’s you. I’ve noticed numerous times that it seems only tangible, physical pain is able to get their attention.
Time and again, these friends tell me about winding up at the doctor’s office because of some symptom they’re dealing with and getting the same report: “There’s nothing physically wrong with you.” Now, there are times medical knowledge and understanding can miss the details— misdiagnoses can certainly occur. But a common thread in these stories has been interesting… relief came in each case when the friend or family member moved toward addressing the emotional and mental aspects of their lives.
Whether or not the people you love are able to clearly identify and share their struggles and challenges, you can be a person who lives a lifestyle of being willing to share burdens appropriately.
You may have noticed a tendency in our culture that implies we should never struggle, always be happy, and simply be awesome super-people. Ask someone if they need help, and you’ll most likely get the same reply: “No, I’m fine!” It doesn’t matter if they are buried in paperwork, stressed out, or carrying a load in both hands and are struggling to open a door. They will not ask for help. They might even tell you, “I don’t need you or anybody else to help me.” But you know better.
I’m not saying we should help inappropriately or invasively, nor am I saying our sacrifice of self should be without boundaries. What I am saying is that we can cultivate a habit of asking an additional question, opening the door for people to feel safe asking for help, and demonstrating our own willingness to reach out appropriately when needed. For help with a project. When struggling with something that’s clearly not your gifting or calling. Dealing with an addiction that you’d like to leave behind for good.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Make a decision today to stop asking if help is needed and start acting when we notice someone is in need. Ask good questions and listen. Lend a helping hand. Stop and pray with them. You’ll see it start to have a ripple effect as it’s passed on to others, and as the same encouragement returns to you when you’re in need.
