Bearing One Another's Burdens

Scripture tells us as Christ-followers that we are to "bear one-another's burdens." This directive once again took on powerful meaning for me this past week! Last Thursday, when I got in to the H2H office for the day, one of the first things I did was listen to the messages on the H2H voice mail. The first message I heard was from a 9 year old client that I had worked with in the past begging me to call them back. They told me that they had just learned that their dad had died early that morning and they NEEDED to talk with me.

Of course I immediately returned that call. When that young one got on the phone, I could hear the pain and distress in their voice. At that moment, I physically felt the burden of their pain come on me. My heart felt SO heavy and it was all I could do to not cry right along with them. I simply did not have anything to say but "I am so very sorry!" They then started telling me their story of what had happened, how they found out, how they were feeling right then, and wanted to come to see me again sometime soon.

At the end of our conversation, I assured them that when they were ready to come visit with me, I would be available for them. I asked if I could pray for them and their family on the phone, and they said they would like that. I then proceeded to pray for God's comfort and peace to be with them all. At the end of our prayer time, this young one expressed appreciation for my prayer and said that it helped them to feel a little better right then.

This situation is just one of many times that I have experienced someone else's burden coming onto my heart. This is exactly what scripture calls us to do as believers. I want to encourage all Christ-followers to be open to bearing one-another's burdens. It is a very powerful, emotionally intense experience that is packed with blessings for everyone involved.