NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSample

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

Supporting one another is a vital part of the spiritual discipline of service. We must walk alongside each other on the journey of discipleship, serving others by helping them stay on, or return to, the path of faithfulness. But we also need to serve them by making sure we continue in faithfulness. Self-neglect and irresponsibility impose an unfair burden on our sisters and brothers in Christ, for they are responsible to help us as well.

The body of Christ is not a place of self-sufficiency, but rather a place of interdependency. When we share each other’s troubles and problems, we are fulfilling the law of love. Our burdens should bring us together. As we allow others to help bear our burdens, we find our love and appreciation for them growing. Our weaknesses call forth others’ strengths. As we serve others, we sow the seeds of support that will bear fruit when we most need it.