Carrying Burdens - Galatians 6:2

Carrying Burdens

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)

One of the best things about church is the amount of support, empathy, and love that faithful people give to one another. Whether it's through the power of prayer, a kind word and a smile, the sending of a handwritten card, or turning up with a tray of food, many of our church folks are grateful for the friendship and kindness that congregational members share with one another whenever trouble, illness, or issues take place in their lives. The burdens that some have are lessened whenever good church folks rally round.

Over the decades that I’ve been a pastor, I’ve constantly been impressed, encouraged, and proud of how lovingly and effectively our church members will respond to meet the needs of those who are undergoing tough times. Organizing acts of kindness is a great way to fulfill Christ’s teaching; showing support to others in need is a wonderful demonstration that God’s love truly exists.

So, today, let’s be thankful for the ‘first-responders’ in our congregation whose generosity and true charity have helped us all when we needed them most.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the ministry of compassion and care that we have received from other church folks. Encourage us to become burden-bearers and loving supporters, too. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step: Write and mail a card this week to someone in our congregation who needs to be encouraged, supported, and loved.

Short Devotion: Blessed are the Caregivers - James 3:17

James 3:17     But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Caregivers are the most undervalued people that we can ever encounter. Over the past twenty five years, I've seen many caregivers who look after their spouses, their parents, or their special needs children and I have marveled at their patience, their commitment, and their love. I know that sometimes they feel worn down and in need of care for themselves. I'm also aware that some of them don't feel appreciated by those to whom they give all of their time, energy, and love.

Most caregivers experience a lot of stress, especially those who look after elderly parents. Age does not come on its own at times, and where disability or dementia are evident, the caregiver usually bears the brunt of their loved one’s frustration, bitterness, and hostility.

When I read today’s verse from James 3, it made me think about the many caregivers that I know who try to be peace-loving, submissive, considerate, and full of mercy. Their service to the person who needs care is remarkable; their dedication to a complaining loved one is courageous. If ever Jesus could have added another beatitude to His sermon on the mount, it should have been this one: Blessed are the care givers for they also will be given care.

Churches are good places where caregivers can find friends who support them, other members who pray for them, and compassionate people who love them. A good congregation knows who the caregivers are in their church; a loving congregation continues to offer caregivers support, respite, and above all sincere affection and encouragement to sustain them.

Questions for personal reflection

Who are the caregivers in my family and congregation? How am I/ can I support them effectively and sincerely?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, today we pray for the caregivers in our community who sometimes feel isolated and forgotten, overwhelmed and anxious. Bless them, encourage them, strengthen them, and give peace to them in the midst of their burdens and pressure. Keep them close to Your heart and enable us to give care to them when they need it most and expect it the least. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

If you enjoyed this devotion, you can read more in John's devotional e-books like "The Light of Love" which has forty-two devotions inspired by the Gospel of John. You can find the book at this link: 

"The Light of Love."

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Secret Dancer.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/14038380245_29919ca86e_b.jpg