The comfort and
caring support of a church family is so valuable. How comforting and reassuring
to know this group is there for you when times are tough. People who don't
attend church are missing this great blessing and don't even know it.
The prayer and
fellowship of the saints are invaluable. Sometimes we don't appreciate it until
it is missing or we have the need for it. And sometimes we need it but don't
know how to receive it. In addition, what about the care and support for the
caregiver? Burden-bearing love is supposed to be a reciprocal love.
"If we love one
another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us" (1John 4:12
KJV). Often, the issue is that we are afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Yet,
pastor and members are all human. And from time to time difficult circumstances
confront us all. Maybe we just try too hard instead of simply being natural
about the difficulties.
Maybe nothing needs
to be said except, "I'm here for you." Perhaps our presence and
fellowship says everything that needs to be said. The gospel of "being
together" may be the best sermon we can preach. When our friends and
family are distressed, they don't need fancy words or pious promises. They need
us to bear their burdens with them. They need to feel our love for them.
Dear Father, thank
you for bearing our burdens. Empower us to love one another sincerely and in
reality. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today with burden-bearing love,
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