Thursday, April 25, 2013

Scripture Thursday ~ Share Your Burdens


Bear ye one another's burdens,
and so fulfil the law of Christ.   

Galatians 6:2


Have you ever seen birds flying in a V formation?  Scientists tell us they alternate positions to take a turn in the front where the task is the hardest.   The leader takes the brunt of the wind, which conserves the energy for the other birds. 


source

By sharing in the burden of their long journey, they collectively can fly longer than they ever would be able to on their own.   It seems logical that God would instill this instinct in them, just as He asks us to do with one another. 

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the definition of Burden is:  To lay on a heavy load; to incumber with weight, to oppress with anything grievous.

Our friends can’t bear a burden if we don’t share a burden.   In a small group setting this week, one of the women shared a burden that was heavy on her heart.  She was reluctant to share for fear of what we’d think of her.   We encouraged her and prayed with her, and she felt the burden lift. 

In the last few weeks, a dear blogger shared a personal problem that she is going through.  She wasn’t sure if she should share it or not as she didn't know how it would be perceived.  She shared her burden, and received an outpouring of support and prayers from her followers. 

For those who are private people and don’t like sharing your problems, or “burdening” someone, God knows the need.  Let someone who prays, know you need prayer. 




John Wesley, 1765 has this to say about Galatians 6:2 ~
Bear ye one another's burdens - Sympathize with, and assist, each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials.

And so fulfil the law of Christ
- The law of Christ (an uncommon expression) is the law of love: this our Lord peculiarly recommends; this he makes the distinguishing mark of his disciples.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes 




You can find an outline **here** by Charles Stanley to a sermon about Bearing Each Other’s Burdens.  Some of his recommendations:

Take the appropriate action:  Get involved.  Getting to know others, places us in a position to recognize how to best help them.

Have the right motive: Love.  John 13:34 tells us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another.”

Have the right attitude: Gentleness.  We must approach others with compassion when bearing their burdens. A gentle person is one who is patient, caring, loving, kind, forgiving, and accepting.
~ Charles Stanley ~


Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  We can't physically lift their load and carry it for them, but there are things we can do to make their load lighter.


CARRY EACH OTHER'S BURDENS BY:

offering a supportive and listening ear
keep their confidence
pray FOR them
pray WITH them

be a friend
send real mail instead of email
text an encouraging scripture

What are some ways you help carry another's burden? 




With our Savior close beside us,
Onward will we go;
With His loving hand to guide us,
Onward will we go.
 Every trial meekly bearing,
Onward will we go;
Each another’s burden sharing,
Onward will we go.

Fanny Crosby


The vintage Scripture graphics in this post are free for personal use or sharing. 


A previous post you may be interested in: 
CAST YOUR BURDEN

 Linked to:

A Sheltering Tree, Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 HomeEncourage One AnotherHope in Every Season,


13 comments:

  1. thanks for the encouragement.....blessings, angela

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  2. A beautiful message shared in a beautiful way… Thank you.

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  3. Perfect reminder, Abby. I often refer to Galatians 6:2 regarding the importance of sharing our burdens. "...and fulfill the law of Christ." Always amazes me how crucial it is.
    Thank you for your encouragement. It is difficult to share at times for fear of being judged, but if we pray to our Father for wisdom, He leads us to the right person/people.
    XOXO's

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  4. BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE ABBY! It REALLY IS HARD to share with others! I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND people being hesitant! Keep us in your prayers? We're still waiting for THE END of what we're going through here...but, we DO KNOW, GOD IS IN CONROL!!!!! :) THANKS ABBY!!!!!! :)

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  5. You shared this so beautifully and the graphic must be pinned!

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  6. Thanks Abby for sharing this. You always seem to share topics that are so timely!
    I think being available to talk with someone is so important or rather being available to listen to them. All the while praying for wisdom and discernment in sharing a timely verse that will encourage them during their difficulty. I have a dear friend who is going through something devastating and we will be traveling together this weekend to a Beth Moore event and I know this is a divine appointment. God is always so faithful as we place our trust in Him. Please pray for me that the Lord will truly give me the wisdom and discernment to encourage and if need be instruct in the Word. To God be all the glory.

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  7. Thank you for these wise word Abby
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  8. Abby,
    The image on this card is precious. The scripture is one we must all remember constantly.
    We appreciate and thank you, for taking time out your day to post this beautiful project at Word Art Wednesday,
    Blessings,
    Carole Robb Bisson
    Word Art Wednesday

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  9. What a beautiful exhortation! That is not only a command, but after we love Jesus, it is gladly done out of love for our Savior! Thank you for the encouragement and for sharing on the 'EOA' link-up! :) Blessings and a hug!

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  10. Such a wonderful message, Abby! I love what Fanny Crosby said - so true. Thank you for these words of wisdom.

    Blessings and hugs to you,
    Stephanie

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  11. I am always so blessed when I am able to pray for someone else who is carrying a burden. Even if they cannot share or don't wish to share the details, I don't need to know. God knows ALL about it and will take care of their needs, but it is so important to ask others to share your burden and pray for you. On the same token, I am SO grateful to know that I have friends (like you Abby) who I can share a burden with (even if unspoken) and knowing that God has given me people who truly care and will pray is priceless. Thanks for sharing this. I am praying despite my limited knowledge of the situation, but God has it all under control. That's the beautiful part!
    Thanks for being "that kind of friend" to me!
    Karen
    Word Art Wednesday

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  12. We need to be reminded -it's not about us. We need to encourage & uplift others. Thanks for the reminder my friend. :)

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  13. Abby do love this post and it is one of a long list of favourite verse too and sorry meant to let you know had linked over to you on my post on Sunday, see link below, love Shaz in Oz.x

    http://calligraphycards-shazinoz.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/wonderfullu-made-brayered-embossing.html

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Your comments are blessings to my day.