“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
When it comes to talking about your struggles, do you hold back?
For years I’ve battled the desire to keep a lid on my burdens. I’m not sure if it’s was the way I was raised, my dislike of asking for help or if I’m afraid of being judged when I open up to them.
What I do know is that my inability to share my burdens affects my marriage, my friendships, and even my relationship with other family members.
Why is it important to share our burdens with one another?
God designed us to help one another (Genesis 2:18). It is not His will for us to bear our burdens alone. He wants us to help ease the burdens of those around us. And He desires for us to let others help us as well.
Don’t be afraid to let others share in your burdens! –Tweet this!
Refusing to share what’s going on in our lives, can prevent our relationships from growing. When we share our burdens, it gives us the opportunity to invest in each other. This can tighten the bond between friends, create a deeper intimacy between husband and wife, and bring family members closer together. The more we invest in each other, the stronger we will be.
Let’s pray:
Lord, we praise you for your marvelous ways. Thank you for creating us to live in community with others. Help us to share our burdens with those you have placed in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!
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There are a few things I’ve observed.
One is women who don’t share their burdens and seem unapproachable or walled in. One in particular whom I knew very personally had some experiences in life with which she could have ministered to other women very powerfully, but she kept them hidden away and didn’t even want other people to know she had those burdens.
On the other hand, there are those who inundate others with their burdens until others begin to lose interest or ignore them like the boy who cried, “Wolf!” “Oh, it’s *her* again, with *another* problem.” Sometimes when you try to help these women they either ignore your help, demand more, or come up with another problem to get more attention. I’m sorry to say I have more than likely been one of these women at some points in my life.
Then there is the weird situation where other women will come to you with their burdens, but when you try to share some of yours with them they look blank or don’t really have much to say and your realize they aren’t interested. This is something more recent in my experience and I think there is a variety of causes behind it. But, it is awkward at times and makes the friendship feel like a one-way street. Actually, I kind of give up on sharing with some ladies and just accept that the friendship is lop-sided.
I think the solution is moderation – a point between two extremes. We need to share our burdens, but we need to be balanced in doing so; and also we shouldn’t just expect others to listen to us without listening to them. Pr 17:17 A friend loveth at all times…
Thanks for this thought-provoking post. 🙂
Great point Mary! We definitely don’t want to overwhelm anyone and drop all of our burdens on someone else’s shoulders. An equal balance of give-and-take or “share the load” is so important in relationships. 🙂
This is key! And the third list I’ve read today that deals with friendship! I reach out to others a lot … But I don’t receive help well at all. It’s something I’m learning. Thanks for being #3 in my head and heart!
God must be putting friendships on our hearts! Thanks for stopping by Dianne.