Romans 15:1-6 (NASB) ‘Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on M e .” For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ‘
Our entire temporal life will be spent beneath burdens of one sort or another. We are designed and made that way. The trouble with most of us is that we choose, too often, to pick up and carry the wrong ones. When we do that, the only result is trouble.
God wants us to walk along side one another, offer support and ease the load of our brothers and sisters. That in no way means that we are to ease every single one. The fact of the matter is we’re not equipped to handle each and every burden that plagues those we love. It’s up to us to look around, take inventory of the burdens we see, evaluate our gifts and discern the burdens and the ways in which we can effectively and efficiently alleviate them. It requires keen observation, but most importantly humble, yet precise self evaluation, as well a deeply rooted relationship with God in order to hear from Him the areas and burdens He calls us to.
Another important piece of this is the carrying of your burdens by others. It’s not your place or mine to determine what burdens of ours others should be taking up for us. That is for God and them to work out and up to them to heed His call, not for us to judge.
You are gifted. God has blessed you with strengths in areas to bear up those without. Take the time every day to ask God to reveal these opportunities to you, and then move. Have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
