Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. Each will have to bear his own load. Galatians 6:2-5
Turn In Your Cape
The above scripture appears to be a contradiction.
As followers of Christ, we are privileged to carry others' burdens, which they cannot carry themselves.
We are called to intercede on God's behalf.
Yet, too often, we go too far in this calling.
Where do we end, and He begins?
It is easy to forget that we are conduits and try to become the reservoir.
God is the reservoir.
We are to carry these burdens of others to Him and leave them in His care.
Only in Him are they relieved.
Only in Him can they dissipate with all the other cares of this world.
God mingles them and uses them to transform those we love.
Don't get in the way by clogging up the conduit or playing the reservoir.
He doesn't call us to be heroes; He calls us to be faithful.
Trust Him to do the possible with our impossible.
So, if you are overburdened with the cares of others, take off your cape and give it back to Him.
It will be beneficial to all.
Is there someone you continually try to 'help', but nothing changes?
How may you be getting in the way of their freedom or healing?
Ask God to show you your role and His.
Lord, we need Your wisdom to know our part in carrying other's burdens. Show us when we are helping and reveal when we are enabling others to depend upon us instead of You. May we be instruments of peace and not harm. Amen