DAY 17 | CO-BURDENING

centering thought

“Especially in the Western world, it is commonplace to prize independence rather than dependence, self-sufficiency rather than community, and living lives of well boundaried distinction over dwelling in one accord …”

encouragement from God’s word 

Read: GALATIANS 6:2-5

devotional direction

In this brief passage of Scripture, the apostle Paul lays out a distinction that solves a curious riddle in life: How do we “dwell together in unity,” as Psalm 133 exhorts, without being taken advantage of, falling into a cycle of codependence, or becoming a doormat to those who are neglecting to take responsibility in life? The answer, Paul says, comes to us in several parts. First, as the second paragraph confirms, pay attention to your own work. Maintain proper conduct. Be dependable to those who are counting on you to produce what you’ve said you will produce.

That’s step one. Step two is this: while allowing others to also be responsible for their own work, when you notice that someone has been “overcome” by a specific burden, come alongside that person and gently help her or him back onto the “right path.”

Then, step three is a motivation-check: allow this offering of assistance you make to carve out deeper humility in you. Why? Because there will be times when you’re the one bearing the overwhelming burden and need the help of a friend to press on. 

Godly unity says, “I respect you enough to let you tend to your work on your own, and I love you enough to come to your aid, when a burden presents itself that is too heavy for you to bear alone.”

question to ponder

Whose burden can you help shoulder today?