Pause

Life should not be lived alone. God has called us to help others, whether they are friends, neighbors, family, or strangers, through tough times. We are to carry one another’s burdens in this life together.

In these next moments, think about those around you, those with whom you live. How could you help them as they struggle?

Listen

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Think

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I understand why many choose to take on challenges alone rather than work as a group. Teamwork can sometimes feel like other people are just slowing you down.

As a teacher, I always smile at how often students choose the song “Lean on Me” when asked to make a slide show about friends or to choose a song for a graduation event. The words have nothing to do with individual glory: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on. For, it won’t be long, til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.”

The culture calls us to go fast alone, but Christ calls us to go far together in love.

Patricia Lyons

Pray

Lord, thank you that you take my burdens from me. Help me to share my struggles with others and to be willing to help them bear their burdens as well. Amen.

Go

Life together means we care for those who are hurting. We embrace those who are going through tough times. We remind others, “You are not alone. I will never leave you.” We also remind others of the promise of God to never leave them or forsake them, even in the midst of a storm.

Go today with the confidence you have in God’s presence and be the presence of God in someone’s life today.