091507

September 15, 2007

Bear One Another's Burdens

by Shana Schutte

I find it strange that in some Christian circles, if a sister or brother is going through a struggle, it's often considered a lack of faith. But if the same struggle is later conveyed by the one who suffered after the trouble has passed and been overcome, it's hailed as a testimony. Why?

Is it because that we sometimes doubt God can bring good from the mess in another person's life? We may think, Share your victories with me, how God sustained you, or how you're more prosperous, hopeful and secure. But please don't expose me to your emotional mess. I can't bear it.

A girlfriend of mine once told me that when she lost her husband to cancer, that her friends stood closely by before his death, encouraged her and prayed. But after his passing they "scattered like leaves in the wind." Why?

I want to give grace and say that perhaps they didn't know what to say; they felt self-conscious. I've been there. Have you? Or perhaps some felt that God was calling them to help someone else. But perhaps (like I have also done), they doubted that God would make a testimony of her heartache. If they truly believed that He would bring something good from her trial, like Romans 8:28 promises, would they have stayed with her to share in her forthcoming victory?

I believe that we often doubt the redemptive power of pain. Yes, we pray for our broken hearts, and the brokenness of others, but we often wonder if God has the ability, or even the "want to" to make anything good from the mess of our lives.

To hang tough with a friend who is experiencing heartbreak, and continue to lift them up requires courage and faith. Holding on to hope that redemption is on its way is not for the faint of heart.

"As it is written: For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37 (NIV)

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

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