Living in Increase (Part 2) - Increase in LoveSample

Love Dearly

First of all, I didn’t write verse three. That was all Paul.

Second, I love how honest Paul is in this chapter of Scripture. As we’ve discussed the past few days, we love people by valuing them above ourselves. Today, I chose Galatians 6:2-3 because it represents something that is possible only with dear love.

Dear love shares burdens. Before my husband and I married, I remember talking with one of my best friends, Grace. She had gotten married the year before, and she married into a very prominent Christian family. I watched her handle the change of pace, publicity, and pressure of her new role as “pastor” with boldness and elegance. While I was already working for a church, I had never had the role of “pastor” or “pastor’s wife,” so I asked Grace about what to expect when Austin and I got married because I knew that was taking on a higher spiritual responsibility. Grace answered:

“When you get married, the spiritual load will feel heavier for you, but it will feel so much lighter for Austin.”

Why? Because Austin and I share each other’s burdens. Yes, the spiritual weight of stepping into a new season was heavier for me, but I was able to take some of the pressure and weight off Austin. Because I love him, I don’t care how heavy it feels; we are carrying this thing together!

In the same way, we can dearly love people by sharing each other’s burdens. It is essential to point out that Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 to “come to [Him], all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and [He] will give you rest.” Burdens are not ours to carry forever, but sometimes, we need help carrying our burdens to the feet of Jesus. When we share each other’s burdens, we’re not taking the spiritual weight of what they’re going through and carrying it ourselves. We’re simply helping them move the weight from their hearts to God’s hands.

It may feel heavy to you at the moment, but when you share someone’s burden, it will feel lighter for the person who needs help. We share each other’s burdens by simply doing life together. In the good times, we rejoice with those who are rejoicing (Romans 12:15). In bad times, we weep with those who are weeping (Romans 12:15). In all times, we share each other’s burdens and “obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), and we ultimately bring those burdens to Jesus in exchange for rest (Matthew 11:28).

We can genuinely and dearly love people by sharing burdens and walking through life together. No one should do life alone!

Emily N. Green

Action Step: You can’t carry others’ burdens if you’re carrying your load by yourself. If you’re not involved in a Small Group or Bible study, find a group to join and allow others to help!