Downplaying, deflecting, disdaining, making fun of, and ignoring the phobias, neurosis, burdens, negative feelings, anxiety, concerns, etc. of another person is a very rude habit to develop. Although their point of view does not agree with ours, and our world view or perspective may differ, this does not indicate that one of us is right and the other is wrong.
We are all entitled to our opinions; and if we value one another, we can also value each other’s beliefs, judgments, and feelings. We also care about each other’s weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. Negative feelings come from a lifetime of experiences that influenced our thoughts and emotions, and therefore, impact our behavior.
As we age, the collection of mental, emotional, and physical wounds that we sustained in our life on this planet grows heavier to carry alone. So, when one member of Christ’s Body is weak, we can help one another to carry our burdens (Romans 15:1). In this way, we fulfill the precepts of freedom that Jesus set before us (Galatians 6:2; John 13:14-34; James 2:12).
Our Christina (kitty) is so sweet to our Calique (kitty) in so many ways: She runs to her to check on her whenever Callie cries. Christiana lays next to her when Callie is sleeping, even though she knows that when Callie wakes up, she stands the chance of getting walloped across the face from our grouchy, old cat.
Christina's compassion never fails, however, and she gives of herself willingly and prefers Calique's needs above her own. What a great example of what our life could be if we help to carry one another's burdens regardless of how spiteful or unappreciative our neighbor, fellow Believer, or enemy might be.
We show empathetic, compassionate, and cherishing behavior toward one another, and this attitude makes us all feel valued, loved, and that we matter (Galatians 5:14). When we belittle, ridicule, ignore, or invalidate each other’s issues, simply because we do not feel the same way or understand why they feel this way, we crush each other’s heart and add to one another’s burdens (John 15:12).
Prayer:
Father God, Your deliverance of us in our trials is more about Your presence in us as we experience them, than about You liberating us out of the fix in which we find our self. Thank You for being our refuge, our high tower, and our source of peace and joy and love during these negative circumstances. Remind us to allow patience to have her perfecting work in us, so we lack nothing that we need (James 1:3-4).
Our faith in Your faithfulness increases as we experience Your provision and safety for us during these trying events, especially since You sacrificed Your own body to help care for us through each one we suffer through (1 Corinthians 13:7). Teach us how to communicate to one another the depth of our love and compassion for them in their trials, and not to dismiss them simply because we do not understand them. Thank You for comforting us in our afflictions (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Thought for the Day:
We all hurt, grow weary, or experience discouragement from hardships during our lifetime, but God’s Word encourages us to realize that when we are weak, that God in us is strong, and that the Body of Christ is here to help us to carry our burdens and to find healing for our soul.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8-10
