How to Bear One Another’s Burdens, Part 2

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

A handmade sign in a local craft store read: “A heart for God, and a hand to man.” That summarizes the two great commandments given by Christ and paints a complete portrait of authentic Christianity. Bearing one another’s burdens is an essential means to fulfilling the second commandment - loving one another as we love ourselves by extending a helping hand.

The first step toward shouldering the load of others is realizing you cannot help everyone. Jesus did not heal everyone. He did not visit every city. He did not share meals at every citizen’s home. But you can depend on God to guide you to the particular people that need your prayers and love. Often, they are experiencing some of the same conflicts you endured. Your empathy is real and your understanding accurate.

In other instances, you may be called to serve a person whose burden is foreign to you. Do not choose and escape route if God is leading you. You can listen. You may not understand, but you can tell them you do care and will pray for them and aid them as possible. This is a tremendous encouragement to the fainthearted. A heart for God is incomplete without a hand to man.

“...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14