Pastor's Corner
February 2005
"Bear one another’s burdens and
thus fulfill the Law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2
My day today began with a hospital call on one of the dear older folks in our church who had suffered a heart attack. Shortly after that visit I was at the church office when I received word that one of our members had called and left a message at our home that they had been told that they have terminal cancer. Could I please come over and offer some “spiritual help?” Before I could leave the phone rang to let me know that one of our members had been rushed by ambulance to the emergency room at the local hospital. As I was preparing to leave to go to the hospital another phone call came in to let me know that one of our Elders had just received news that his mother, from out of state, had suddenly died.
So after the hospital emergency room call, the visit to the Elder’s home to pray for the family and after the visit to the senior with the terminal cancer trying to offer “spiritual help”, I sat down to write this article, still trying to catch my breath. In that moment is when the Lord brought to mind the above verse in Galatians. “Bear one another’s burdens….” Indeed that is what I had spent the morning trying to do! While it is unusual to have so much happen within such a short time by way of crisis, the act of “bearing burdens” of fellow Christians in not unusual. It is the command of Scripture, the challenge of the church and the privilege of all Christians (and not just Pastors!). I say “privilege” because we get to get involved with others in a deeper, richer way than other times because crises brings into focus how much we need each other to cope with our burdens! It’s interesting that in Genesis 4:9, that after killing his brother Abel and being asked by God, “Where is Abel you brother?”, that Cain answers, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”. It’s as if Paul in Galatians is answering that question with a resounding “Yes!” How could it be otherwise for the Christian? It is “the law of Christ” meaning the law of love (cf. John 13:34-35). “Bearing one another’s burdens” is one clear and direct way that we show our love for one another as Christians. Clearly this command is clear and clearly it is our calling from God in the church!
So, how do we “bear one another’s burdens?” Let me suggest the following: We can pray. I find the greatest comfort is to turn others to Christ in praying for His comfort (II Corinthians 1:3-5).
We can be present. Never underestimate the power of simply being with people as they walk through crisis, or suffering or confusion. Job’s advisors came to him and just sat with him in his suffering for 7 days! You will note that trouble started when they started to talk! Sometimes our “silent presence” is the best comfort.
We can offer help and hope. From taking a meal, to helping with kids to giving a ride or giving a card of encouragement, we can let the person know that their burden is shared by others. We give the hope of Scripture and the help of a practical concern. We say that “you do not suffer alone.”
Today reminded me that just around the corner of a day is the opportunity (or opportunities!) to "bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the Law of Christ." May God grant us His grace to do so.
Serving with you,
