It Takes God’s Family to Bear Our Burdens
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, this week as we consider the fact that we were formed to be part of God’s family, help us be the type of people who others look to as supportive family members. Amen
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:1-5 NIV
REFLECT:
Recently, the four men with whom I study the Bible were talking about how important it is to have a church family with whom to share. I mentioned to them how difficult it is to move to a new community and church when you are older, retired and have no school age children. I have done this twice and it would have been scary if I had not been a Christian and immediately found a church home with churches that had strong small group opportunities.
When my wife and I first came to Pathway/Westlink we were quickly given the opportunity to be a part of a home team and a Sunday school class. Over the years, challenges have been met and overcome with support of others in these small groups, sometimes through prayer, financial and physical help.
Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But, if there’s no one to help, tough! By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.” (The Message)
Right now, at this stage of my life I am confident if I have a crisis, I have the support system of God’s family to help me through it.
APPLY:
As it says in Ecclesiastes about times of trouble, “…if there’s no one to help, tough.” All of us need to understand we cannot deal with concerns without a strong Christian support system. If you have not found that support system in the form of a home team, Bible study group, or prayer support team, reach out to the home team coordinator who will help you find that Christian support system.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, help me to grow more intimately with members of God’s family so that I can find the support system I need and, in turn, give support to others. Amen
WORSHIP: