One thing about all this is seeing people (brethren) who are willing to simply say, “I need some help.” Sadly, most of the time when “we” are going through a difficult time and brethren come up and ask how we are doing our immediate response is, “Oh, I’m fine!” We don’t want anyone to think we can’t handle what is going on in our lives or embarrass ourselves by sharing what we are struggling with. We sure don’t want things to get too personal so we keep our issues to ourselves. Paul said in Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so FULFILL the law of Christ.” Paul was teaching the brethren this letter was addressed to and us today that if we want to fulfill the law of Christ or the commandments of Christ we must help each other bear our burdens. But, brethren, we can’t do that if we are not willing to share our needs with each other. And, 90% of the time or more it is not physical or financial help we are needing but spiritual and emotional support and encouragement to help us through difficult times. Brethren, we need to understand, it’s ok to be real with each other. We all have struggles, we all hurt at times, we all mess up and sin against God at times, we all need prayers and support at times. But, we can’t do that if we are not willing to share both the good and the bad with one another and be there for each other. I have been really encouraged by those acknowledging their needs and by the great response of those in this congregation to provide those needs. May we all grow in these areas.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan