Do We Have What It Takes?

Do We Have What It Takes?

Burden-bearing is tough work. Our own burdens are tough enough. Bearing another’s burdens along with our own can really weigh us down! The only hope we have for burden-bearing of this magnitude comes from knowing that Christ not only helps us, but also gives us His help to help others. The Bible says that working at this level is actually fulfilling “the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

We become better burden-bearers when “the fruit of the Spirit” fuels our efforts (Gal. 5:22). It’s the food for authentic caring. As we “live by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25) our relationships with others become more centered on giving rather than getting. Self is set aside, and others become our central concern. God doesn’t expect us to bear the world’s burdens, but we wants us to help those with whom we have a relationship.

Sensing the leading of the Spirit, and developing the attitude of Christ, helps us take the initiative. We shouldn’t wait for the burdened to knock on our door. Rather, we should pray for God to give us an open door to help. Most people are reluctant to unload their burdens for fear of rejection. They’re not sure we really want to hear their problems, let alone help.

So how do we begin? A sincere “I care about you” attitude, a “Tell me about it” listening ear, and a real “How can I help?” offer are three keys to open the door for effective burden-bearing. But we must rely on Christ, and not try to bear another’s burdens in our own strength.

Without His help – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13 NIV) – even the smallest burden of another will be too big for us to bear. We must rely on the One who said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28). Without Him, we don’t have what it takes. It’s as simple as that!

By Larry Ondrejack