Burden: July 23, 2014

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JULY 23, 2014.

BURDEN

DEFINITION:

A load; that which is carried; that which is borne with difficulty, spiritually or physically.

SCRIPTURE:

Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2.

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. I Thessalonians 5:14.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

There are many things in life that are called burdens. In the Old Testament a heavy load is called a burden in Exodus 23:5.  People are called a burden in Numbers 11:11-17. 

In the New Testament hard labor is referred to as a burden in Matthew 20:12. In Acts 15:28 we are told that a burden is a difficult requirement. Burdens make life difficult and are hard to bear. Burdens can hinder the faith and spiritual growth of a believer.

In Romans 15:1-2 we are told to help those who are weak and struggling. Doing this effectively requires three things of us. First, we must be aware and sensitive to the struggles of those around us. Secondly, we are not to bear the burden of someone around us based on how we feel about that person. We need to have a spirit of acceptance and help them, no matter who they are. Jesus did not discriminate and neither should we. Thirdly, we need to be available. Many Christians relegate the work of caring to someone else like their pastor or friend. You must be available to share in the carrying of the load.

Recently listening to a message of Dr. Charles Stanley he gave some practical suggestions for us to consider. Let us share with you in part some of what he said. Here are six practical ways, several from Dr. Stanley, that can help you bear someone’s burdens.

First, you must be there. Sometimes the best way to help is just to be with the hurting person. In a person’s darkest hour for the most part a hurting person does not need someone to fix something. They just need a friend.

Secondly, you must listen. Do not attempt to give answers to unasked questions or tell one what to do next. Injured souls frequently only want a listening ear so they can express what is on their mind.

Thirdly, learn to share. Never set yourself in the position of one that has all the answers, because you do not. But do allow your own pain and failures to help others.

Fourthly, pray with the one you are there to help. There is power in speaking people’s names before the Lord. When someone hears someone talk to Jesus on their behalf, healing often starts to take place.

Fifthly, be willing to give. Sometimes helping others involves more than a hand shake or a warm hug. Maybe there is a need for financial or material help. Be willing to give to a person who you know to be sincere and genuinely hurting.

Finally, be willing to be a substitute. You may know an individual who bears the burden for caring for someone else and is overwhelmed. Be willing to step in and be a substitute for a while. Jesus was a substitute and we should be willing to be one also.

Jesus bore all of our sins, even unto death. As a result we now can live happier and eternally in communion with our Father. If Christ did that for us, how can we ever say that I am too busy to bear someone else’s burden?

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 8:28.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

PRAYER:
Help me to care for others enough that I might be willing to carry their burdens when I have an opportunity. Thank You for carrying the burden for my sin all the way to the cross. Thank You that I can bring all my burdens and cares to You.