“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”
Galatians 6:2, 6 NIV
The Bible encourages us to “bear one another’s burdens but we must be aware that there are two sides to that coin of caring; being a burden sharer and a burden bearer. This helps us answer the question, should I reveal the burdens I am carrying to others. Each of us can share our burdens with others but we must be willing to help carry the burdens of other believers as well, as God intends us to.
In both cases, both sharing and bearing, we must apply what the scriptures call the rule- “a spirit of gentleness and speaking the truth in love.” When we share our burdens, we allow others to see the struggle we are enduring. By doing so, they can encourage us, show us compassion and love. We, in turn, can do the same for others by bearing their burdens with the same love and encouragement.
True caring brings with it the opportunity to share and be cared for in our tough times. This truly fulfills the calling of our Lord: to be in relationships that evokes compassion and action to help restore one another. Look for those opportunities to care for others today!
In Christ
RJ