BIBLE VERSE:

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

REFLECT:

When we talk about heroes, the picture that would come to most people’s minds is someone who is strong, courageous, or fearless. Maybe someone who is battle hardened, who has achieved great feats and is quite well acclaimed. Nobody would think to consider someone who is puny, frail, weak and perhaps of no consequence. Everybody is looking for the big movers and shakers of the society. However, our Bible tells us that GOD does not look at the outward appearance but at the heart of man–James 2:1-4; 1 Samuel 16:6-7.

We also forget that GOD does not look at brute strength or the prowess of man’s accomplishments, but rather at a surrendered and willing heart. A heart that HE can work with or work through to show forth HIS awesome power, and it does not matter if the person is frail, fragile, or otherwise. This was what the Apostle Paul was saying in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

So, who could these heroes be? Our Bible verse for today gives us a clear picture of such people. They are the burden bearers. Those people who have allowed themselves to cultivate the love and compassion of GOD in their hearts towards humanity, especially for those who are suffering, going through painful and trying times both spiritually and physically. However, they do not just stop at having mere feelings, they go out of their way to help the suffering through such difficulties.

“Being an instrument of Compassion and Love: God’s Love is pivotal, if we have to be Burden Bearers.” – Unknown

The great thing though, if you look closely at our Bible verse for today, is that this call to bear each other’s burden is not just for a selected few, it is for all of us in the church, we who are called to the Body of CHRIST. We have all been called to make it our business to bear each other up during painful, difficult times or even moments of physical or moral weaknesses. Condemnation at this point should be far from us, rather love must be the instrument we apply. Remember, that we are all recipients of the Grace of GOD: “For CHRIST died for us even while we were yet sinners.”(Romans 5:8).

So, what ways can we employ to be burden bearers for one another? The Bible is packed with different ways or things we can do to achieve this, however, here are a few things we can do as we are led by the SPIRIT of GOD:

1. Praying. We can petition GOD in prayer for our brother or sister who is experiencing a difficult time. We can also pray for loved ones or friends who have not yet known the LORD so that they can come to the full knowledge of HIM.
2. Comfort. We can be the arms of comfort bringing SPIRIT filled words into the situation to calm and sooth the pain or just lending a listening ear.
3. Proclaiming or Preaching the Gospel. The heart of the love and compassion of GOD to someone who needs to hear the Good News about JESUS for such a person to be delivered and saved.
4. Giving. We can give to the needs of others by giving money, time, help in any form possible.

In doing all this and even much more, we work with JESUS to accomplish what HE died for which is to set people free from the dungeons of hell, mending the broken hearted, proclaiming liberty to the captives, and opening prison gates etc. Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18. This is what we have been called to do and be–the Heroes for this hour.

“When we bear each other’s burdens, we partner with JESUS extending God’s love and compassion to one another as well as to a dying world, but more importantly, we witness the Power of GOD working to transform us into the people HE has called us to be–GOD’S Heroes for this Hour”. Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Help Me Support Others.

FATHER GOD, just as You have been an encouragement to me, please help me to encourage others. Show me how to approach all my relationships with Your love, grace, and compassion. As I draw near to You, shape me into someone who eagerly supports others. Make me aware of the opportunities I have to daily demonstrate Your sacrificial love. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN!