Carry each other’s burdens and so live out the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Observing Memorial Day yesterday I saw an article that spoke to all the broken hearts and lives from their loss. It was about a study on why people come through trauma so differently. At first they thought is was the type of trauma, or the duration, but what they found had nothing to do with the trauma itself. The answer was found in the aftermath.
Those who experienced any kind of trauma that had supportive community around them, whether it be a small or large group, were able to not only overcome the trauma and its affects, but experienced emotional and physical healing compared to the group who had no or very little support. Why? The answer is in today’s verse, it’s in the helping to carry one another’s burdens. The load grows lighter, and it’s destructive effects become less because someone else is sharing them.
Just as Jesus did when He walked this earth as our example, He carried out the law of love, and carried it out with grace and mercy. He showed us how to be kind, and understanding to those who were in need, no matter what it was and to reach out and help them. But we are living in a time where the enemy has strategically made ways for us to be distracted, self=centered and honestly just too busy to take the time to help others. We rely too much on “professionals” like therapists and Psychologists and Psychiatrists, which although are needed and good, don’t help carry the persons burdens. As a Social Worker and Counselor we are trained not to take on their clients problems and make them personal.
There is something special that happens when we you know someone is there to share the load, not just hear the problem. Someone who themselves have gone through something similar and knows exactly the pain and hurt you are experiencing. They themselves were comforted and now they can share that comfort with you. Beloved, there is no substitute for the understanding heart and love of another person who has been touched and healed by Jesus. It’s time we remember Jesus told us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).
Leave a Reply