The
Burden of Friendship
Carry each
other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Now in their eighties, Jane and Dorothy
had been best friends since early childhood. During that time both
had faced challenges. As close friends, they had shared each other’s
burdens through the storms of life.
Recently diagnosed with liver failure
as a result of an aggressive case of diabetes that had already left
her blind, Dorothy was in need of Jane’s assistance once again. The
inability to keep food down had taken its toll on her already fragile
body. The overwhelming nausea and increasing weakness only
exacerbated the situation. Today was an especially rough day.
“Oh, Jane…” Dorothy wept. “I
don’t think I can take this any more...”
As true friends do, Jane attempted to
encourage Dorothy, “I know, Hon, just hang in there. We’ll get
through this.”
Weary of it all, Dorothy said, “Do
you think I’m going to die, Jane?”
Jane adamantly asked, “Do you want
to?!”
The straight-forward question elicited
a revelation…Dorothy wasn’t ready to see Jesus face to face just
yet. “No…!” she responded emphatically.
“Then fight for life until the Lord
takes you home!” Jane urged her friend.
†
Close relationships are rare because true friendships venture to places acquaintances know nothing about. It’s been said that true friendship begins when you are willing to share your secret joys and intimacies as well as your obvious sorrows. Lifelong friendships are a gift from God.
The burden of friendship is a matter of
will because to love selflessly, places equal importance on a
friend’s needs while we ourselves are facing hardship. True
friendship is not inherent, otherwise God, through Paul in today's
text, would have no need to instruct us.
As today’s text illustrates, carrying
each other’s burdens is our Christian responsibility. It blesses
God when we place a premium on the needs of others. Amazingly, when
we carry each other’s burdens we find that we ourselves are the
recipient of God’s blessings. This is the nature of reciprocity;
give and it will be given unto you (Luke 6:38).
Prayer
“Father, help me to be
mindful of those around me who need my help. Give me discernment so I
can minister Your love where it is needed. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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