(November 17, 2024) Angeline Selvakumari encourages us to think of others…

Scripture tells us that God has called us to be His children. What a privilege! But,Paul urges, ‘… live a life worthy of the calling you have received’ (Ephesians 4:1).

• What exactly are we called to do?
• What does it truly mean to live such a life?
• While there are many aspects, let’s focus on the following—

Characteristic: No Troublemaking!
Matthew 5:9 promises, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Dear brothers and sisters, if we wish to live lives worthy of our calling, this is a key characteristic… He has called us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers.

To live such a worthy life bearing one another’s burdens we must be humble, gentle, and patient (Ephesians 4:2-3). It is essential to practise these virtues not only with fellow believers but also with those who test our patience daily with harsh words and hurtful actions.

In truth, this can be difficult and challenging. It is far easier to speak of it than to live it. However, this is precisely what the Bible expects from those who love Jesus.

Command: Not Optional!
Colossians 3:13 instructs us: ‘Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’

Bearing with one another requires forgiveness. To truly forgive, we need love, and without God’s love we cannot fully forgive or forget. You might say, ‘It’s hard; I can’t do it. I’m just human with emotions and feelings..’ But this is exactly why we need God’s help to love and to forgive.

Sharing each other’s burdens is notmerely a suggestion or option; it’s a command. Galatians 6:2NKJV says, ‘Bear ( bastazo, to carry, lift, endure) one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.’

To fulfill Christ’s law, we must help carry one another’s burdens. Every person faces difficulties: challenges, overwhelming situations, financial struggles, battles with sin, both physical and spiritual trials.

However, we are not meant to bear these burdens alone, which is why God has given us the church family. We are one body in Christ, and when one part of the body suffers, the entire body is affected (1Corinthians 12:25-27).

Calvary: Direction Symbolism
We often focus on maintaining peace with God, emphasising our relationship with Him. However, the symbol of the cross consists of two lines representing our relationship with—  

(i) Vertical
God: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul’ (Matthew 22:37).
(ii) Horizontal
Others: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ (v39).

These are two of Jesus’ most important commandments— yet many of us feel content with our relationship with God only. We love Him, read His word, pray, fast, attend church, and engage in ministry placing great emphasis on the Holy Spirit’ gifts and fruit.

I often notice that people become so consumed with their ministry and personal relationship with God that they neglect their families and neighbours. The Bible teaches us that both relationships are equally important.

Church: Believers’ Responsibility
The church carries a profound responsibility to care for and share the burdens of our fellow believers. When one member of the body is unwell, it affects all of us. Caring for others is not simply an act of compassion; there is also a personal stake involved. When those around us are healthy, we benefit, and the church as a whole is strengthened. Conversely, when we suffer, those close to us, including church members, are also impacted.

As Galatians 6:2 says, ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.’ This commandment is clear directive for every member of God’s family. Only by doing so, do we live up to our calling as God’s children.

Here’s  three biblical examples of others who shared one another’s burdens.

a) Jonathan
The bond between David and Jonathan is a remarkable example of selfless love and friendship. Despite knowing that David would one day take his place as king, Jonathan loved David wholeheartedly. His loyalty to him was so great that he even stood against his own father, King Saul.

1Samuel 23 records that David, relentlessly pursued by Saul who was determined to kill him, was hiding in the wilderness. But the Bible tells that ‘… God did not give David into his hands’ (v14).

What a comforting truth! Even as He protected David, God will also protect us from our enemies who wish to see us fall. At times, it may feel like we are constantly under attack, but we must remember that God will not hand us over to our enemies. When our ways are pleasing to the Lord, He can even turn our enemies to work for our good. The enemy may be close, but God is in control. He will never allow us to fall into enemy hands.

David at that time was living in fear, knowing Saul was hunting him. He must have felt isolated, despondent, and anxious, having left behind his family, wives, friends, and the comfort of his home to hide in the wilderness. Loneliness can be a formidable foe, one that allows negative thoughts to take root and flourish. Yet, even in his darkest moments, God was with David, and He is with us, too.

Physically, mentally, and spiritually down, David had an unexpected visitor: ‘… Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God’ (v16NIV). ‘Strength’ is chazaq meaning strengthen, bolster, fortify, intensify. Several other translations read ‘encouraged’ (the old Geneva Bible, ‘comforted’). In short, Jonathan went to the wilderness to visit his dear friend and uplift his spirits. He spoke words of encouragement and strengthened David in his weakness.

Not only did Jonathan support David emotionally, but he also helped him find strength in God during a time when David was spiritually dry. His words had a profound impact on David—‘Don’t be afraid … My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel …’(v17).

Jonathan reassured David of God’s plan for his life. Imagine how difficult it must have been for him to acknowledge his own father’s faults. Jonathan expressed his willingness to serve under David and went out of his way to encourage David— a reminder that when we encourage others, they are strengthened in the Lord.

We often seek encouragement for ourselves, but do we take the time and make the effort to be there for others when they need it? In today’s busy world, it’s easy to overlook the needs of others. Sometimes we think financial support is enough: while it’s important, being there physically and emotionally is equally vital.

No plan of troublesome people, no scheme of hell, can stand against God’s purposes. God has a plan for us, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11: ‘… to give us hope and a future.’

Dear reader— when was the last time you went out of your way to encourage someone?

b) Barzillai
Another inspiring character is Barzillai, a man who demonstrated that age is just a number. 2Samuel 19:32 tells: ‘… Barzillai was very old, eighty years of age. He had provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim, for he was a very wealthy man.’

When David and his men were fleeing in the wilderness from his son Absalom, he was in dire need of food and other resources. ‘Old’ Barzillai took the initiative to support David and his followers providing them with food thus sharing in their burden.

When David offered to bring Barzillai back with him to the kingdom to reward his kindness, Barzillai humbly declined, choosing instead to remain behind. His love and care were without selfish motives; he simply wanted to be there for David, sharing in his pain and struggle.

Acts of kindness are not limited by gender, race, or age— anyone can help bear the burdens of others. The key requirement is a willing, compassionate heart.

c) Jesus
Psalm 91:14-16 tells: ‘The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honour them…”’

There is no greater example of selfless love than Jesus. He loved us so deeply that He—

• Willingly left heaven to die on the cross for our sins.
• Humbled Himself, becoming a curse so we could be blessed.
• Bore our shame so we could walk with heads held high.
• Sacrificed Himself that we could receive the greatest gift: Forgiveness!
• Guaranteed us eternal life.

(i) God will be with us in our times of trouble, staying close by. He declared, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5).
(ii) Jesus invites us to share our burdens with Him: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’(Matthew 11:28).
(iii) The Holy Spirit is our promised assistant! ‘… Father will send the Friend in my name to help you … the Holy Spirit’ (John 14:26NIRV).

Jesus is always waiting for us to come to Him and lay down our cares, pains, failures, and fears. Troubled? Come to Him today and let Him share your burdens!

Comfort: Supporting Others
As much as Jesus carries our burdens and we have the support of a church family to pray for us, we should also look for ways to support someone else’s life. Five suggestions—

1. Praying!
Prayer is a powerful tool. If you see someone struggling with sin, instead of criticising them, pray for them and with them. Walk alongside them. If you’re unhappy with someone, start praying for them sincerely, rather than gossiping about them to others!

2. Listening!
Sometimes people just need someone to listen. They aren’t looking for advice or solutions to their problems—just a compassionate ear. Listen without judgment. It could be a family member, friend, stranger, even someone who has caused you pain. Be a good listener when people need it most.

3. Actioning!
Faith is demonstrated through action! We must be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22). Prayer and listening alone are not enough; we must find practical ways to help others meet their needs. This doesn’t always involve money— we can use our skills, expertise, and knowledge to support and guide others.

4. Technology!
Use technology for a purpose. Send an encouraging text or voice message to someone going through a difficult time. Leave a prayer or an uplifting message; even if you can’t be there physically, your words will have a powerful impact. Share a Bible verse or a simple message to uplift and encourage those who are struggling.

5. Caring!
Make it a habit to check on the well-being of your congregation. If you notice someone is missing from church, call them. Ask, ‘Can I pray for you? Is there anything I can help with?’ Ensure that our brothers and sisters know they are part of a family.

Above comforts are all about serving!
Be available to serve others in any way you can, just like Jesus who ‘… of His own free will He gave up all He had, and took the nature of a servant…’ Philippians 2:7GNB. The opportunities to serve are endless, but you must find ways to share other’s burdens and live up to our calling as children of God.

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Pastor Angeline Selvakumari is Honourary Editor–in–Chief Echo of His Call, India’s Spiritual Newspaper, and Dr S Sam Selva Raj’s daughter. In furthering Echo of His Call ministries, established 1969, Dr Sam broadcasts 5–minute YouTube messages in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu daily, trusting the Lord to provide for the costs. Link: sam@echoofhiscall.org 
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