Care and Support for All

Happy Wednesday, Everyone. 😊 At first glance, this appears to be about relationships that we may be involved in – friend, family, spouse, etc. You know -- the kind where showing caring and love is part of what we do.

I try to be supportive through prayer and other ways for those in my circle who are dealing with hard things. After the last couple of months, having experienced that support from others, I pray I can continue to be a support and encourager in times of need.

I believe it is really important for us to care for each other and to support each other when times are tough. This may be what Paul was talking about in this passage. But ….

Maybe Paul had a broader world view in mind. After I watched the 25^th Anniversary commemoration of 9/11 on Friday morning, my perspective did a bit of a shift. I listened to those who had lost loved ones and who appreciated all of the kindness they experienced from people all over – people they didn’t even know. It does give one pause, doesn’t it?

What if Paul was talking about sharing everybody’s burdens in a more global way? What if we cared for people we would never meet again – or never meet at all?

I have had the privilege multiple times of praying for people in hospital waiting rooms who I did not know. What moments they have been – and they have not always been with those who are Christian. There again, though, I don’t think Paul was putting limits on whose burdens we carry.

What would happen if we prayed when we see an emergency vehicle – for those impacted and their families? What if we prayed for those who are involved in natural disasters – people we may never meet but who need us to help carry their burden of suffering? The list could go on ….

There is so much we can do for those we don’t know and for those in our circle when they are carrying heavy burdens. Many times, we don’t want to intrude, but silent prayer is never an intrusion. We know that prayer makes a difference and I have never met anyone who didn’t want to be prayed for.

How do you help carry someone else’s burden? How have others helped carry your burdens. How does it feel to know that when you do so, you are fulfilling the Law of Christ?

Blessings and Love, 😊 Ceri