“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ .” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
CHALLENGE
Desire to love God’s people so that we mature past independence to interdependence.
PREPARATION
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
REQUESTS
- To open my life so others know the burdens I am carrying.
- To be free of the pride that keeps others at a distance.
- To understand that not sharing my burdens is selfish.
- That we develop a community that knows and carries the burdens of its members.
THANKSGIVING
- Thank God for hearing you.
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will.
OPTIONAL READINGS
- Exodus 18:13-24
QUOTATION
“Life has taught me that respect, caring and love must be shared, for it’s only through sharing that friendships are born .” – Donna F. Favors
LIFE STORY
I am a fiercely independent person. I can do just about anything I put my hand to. I really do not need other people to help me. In fact I often I find other people get in my way and/or slow me down. I wind up needing to repair someone else’s well meaning “help”. Even when I realize that another person would be nice, I don’t want to put anyone out. Most people are busy and my inconsequential need, well… I’ll get by on my own.
This does not mean that I don’t like working with other people. I enjoy helping others. It does not matter whether it is physical help (carrying, fixing, making) or mental/spiritual help. Just ask me, I would be glad to help. I really like to help other people. It makes me feel good. I just keep them away from my “stuff”.
What happens when everyone is like me? No one will ask me for help because I will get in the way, slow you down or not carry your burden with the care that you would. If everyone is like me no one gets to help anyone carry a burden. It took me many years to learn that not letting someone else help me is really selfish. I am getting better at letting others carry my burden but… I’d rather carry my burdens by myself. I need help to change so please, if I look burdened, ask me if I need help.
Contributed by: Dan Jennings