Unity Built Through Carrying Each Other’s Burdens

Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15; John 13:35

Paul calls us to “carry each other’s burdens.” In Romans we are told to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. These are intimate acts of community. How will we bear each other’s burdens or rejoice with each other if we don’t know each other’s burdens or joys? It becomes very difficult to hate or vilify those who disagree with us when we really know them, when we have shared their burdens and joys and they have shared ours. Jesus tells us that all men will know that we belong to him if we love one another.

Questions for further thought:
1. Do I know the people in my Christian community well enough that they feel comfortable sharing their burdens and joys with me?
2. Am I willing to be vulnerable with my fellow believers and share my burdens and joys with them?

​Challenge: This week reach out to someone you know in your church community who is carrying a burden, offer prayer or assistance. If you need prayer or have a praise to share, find a fellow believer to share with.