Dear SCC & Friends,
Bear one another’s burdens… ~Galatians 6:2
Reflection #348
It is the fellowship of the Cross to experience the burden of others. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~ Bearing the burden of another is not for the faint hearted. It takes time, intentionality and love to come along side someone who is struggling. It’s more than mere duty or feeling sorry for someone’s plight in life. Bearing another’s burden fulfills the law of Christ which is to love one another… We need each other… He who separates himself seeks his own desire, and quarrels against all sound wisdom. ~Prov. 18:1… The Lord in His wisdom and care brings certain people to us at certain times who make all the difference. He’ll use ordinary acquaintances and even strangers to encourage and help us move forward… We were made to be “other centered” in the midst of our own problems and ongoing personal responsibilities. …do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ~Phillip. 2:4 ~Selah~
If you have lived a while, you know how easy it is to be focused on ourselves… The leech has two daughters, “Give,” “Give.” ~Prov. 30:15 Leeches live off the life of others and offer little or nothing in return… To the contrary, we are to be givers and not takers… For each one shall bear his own load. ~Gal. 6:5 We’re not responsible to remove another’s burden, but are called to come along side… Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. ~1 Cor. 10:24 We are blessed when we have friends and family encourage and strengthen us through the good, bad and even ugly seasons of life… Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ~Rom. 12:15 Thirty years ago, I was one who wept when my parents died within three weeks of each other. The care and concern of the people who knew my situation did not take away my grief (burden) but most assuredly lifted my spirit and helped me carry it… Truly, they were an extension of God’s love… And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men. ~Gal. 6:9 Keep up the good work!
Made for these days,
Kevin