Reading
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (CEB)
Reflection
Years ago, I tried to move a big, old box TV by myself. If you remember those, you know the back side was heavy while the front was surprisingly light. As I struggled to move it, the TV started to wobble. I caught it just in time—but not before earning a pretty gnarly bruise on my arm. Eventually, I did what I should’ve done from the start: I called for a coworker to help me move it the rest of the way.
Sharing the weight makes moving big things easier—whether it’s a physical object or something heavy on the inside.
On Sunday, Pastor Mark talked about the stoles that pastors sometimes wear. He explained that in earlier times, a pastor might place one end of the stole over their own shoulder and the other over the shoulder of someone sharing a deep burden. It was a way of saying, “You’re not carrying this alone anymore.”
The truth is, we were never meant to carry our heavy loads by ourselves. God made us in God’s image—designed for community, to show up for one another, to hold space for each other’s struggles, and to remind one another of hope.
This week, if something feels heavy, ask for help. And if someone near you is struggling, step alongside them. We live out the love of Christ when we carry one another’s burdens.
Pray
Lord, You created us to be in community with one another, yet we often keep to ourselves when trouble arises. Give me the courage to ask for help when I am in need, and the strength to help carry the load of others when I am able. Amen.
