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 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season,