Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

Burdens: Death, divorce, losing a job, parenting troubled-teens, strained relationships, drug addiction, alcoholism, and financial instability to name just a few. These circumstances can wreak more havoc on an individual than they can possibly handle on their own. The only way to survive from day to day is a relationship with Jesus and a very strong support group. When Jesus asks us to bear one another’s burdens He meant it. There is no doubt that without help these roads on life’s journey would simply be impassable. This is where we are called to serve with a heart like Jesus. A heart without judgment or condemnation. As humans battling the flesh, it is easy for us to become a critical Christian, quickly forgetting that we too have sinned. Jesus didn’t make people feel bad when he helped them through troubles, and we shouldn’t either. If we are “serving” with a haughty spirit then we really are not serving at all. Rather, we are breaking people down more than they already are. We are shattering their already feeble spirits and painting a picture of false Christianity. We are basically boarding up the doors of the church because who in their right mind would want to be a part of something so ugly? And when we are judging our fellow brothers and sisters that is exactly what it is – ugly. I like (love) what the bible says in Matthew 11:28-30,”Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus said to come to Him when you are buckling under the pressures and burdens of life. He said that He is gentle and lowly in heart. That’s how, as Christians, we should be. Gentle in heart. Not judgy. Not ugly. We have all been broken by life. We have all tripped, or maybe even belly-flopped, along the way. So instead of throwing out banana peels to make people slip again, let’s mop up the floors, hold their hands, and boldly walk through this messy, but beautiful, life together.

Dear God, please help me to help others the way you do – with a patient heart, a non-judgemental spirit, and a gentleness that only you can bring. Although I know my sins are forgiven and should be left in the past, please allow them to stay in the back of my mind as a reminder that I am a sinner, too. I am not better than anyone else. Remind me to treat others battling in the flesh the same way you treat me when I battle, which is every single day. Amen.