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

Compared to many people I know, my life has been relatively uneventful. However,  throughout the course of my life I have had some difficult days.

I have had burdens to bear.

Sometimes my burdens have resulted from my being caught up in sin. At different times my burdens have been the result of others being caught up in sin.

Sometimes the burdens have been easy enough to manage. At different times the burdens have been heavy, almost unbearable.

At all times God has been faithful.

At all times Christian brothers and sisters have been right there with me to help carry the load.

As I remember those who have walked beside me and helped carry my burdens, I am reminded that others have burdens, too.

Sometimes their burdens are easy to manage. At different times their burdens are heavy, almost unbearable.

Sometimes their burdens are the result of their sin. At different times their burdens are the result of my sin.

At all times God is faithful to them. The question is, am I?

Am I willing to walk alongside someone who is hurting?

Am I willing to help carry their burdens?

As I ponder this passage I realize I have much for which to be thankful. And I regularly have burden carrying opportunities.

What I need to remember, what we all need to remember, is that carrying burdens for each other is exactly how God wants us to live our lives.

_______________________________________

Loving God,
Thank you for providing burden bearers for me.
Forgive me when I burden others by sinning against them.
Forgive me when I am too tired or disinterested to carry burdens not my own.
Empower me to live out your law by bearing burdens.
Your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.
In the name of Jesus,
AMEN