Useaful Resources

May 27

Be kind to those you meet because everyone is going through something. Anonymous

There is a reason the Bible refers to the location of this entity we call life as a 'Vale of Tears.' The time we spend traversing from birth until the Lord calls us home is fraught with trials. Each person's trial may be unique to himself, and it may appear to be more or less than those borne by others, but to the one who carries it, it is a weight of care that overburdens him with more than he can handle alone.

What are we to do when confronted with life's woe that is our portion? The Word tells us that we needn't carry it ourselves; it invites us to, "Cast all your care upon Jesus, for He cares for you," I Peter 5:7. Once we have done that, once our own burden has been lifted by His loving hand, we can extend a hand of help to those around us as we are admonished to do in Galatians 6:2.

The primary thing we have to share with them is the Source of our help. We can affirm to them the ways the Christ we love and serve has lifted our burden and eased its weight from our shoulders. Though we may yet bear a portion of it, we no longer have the entirety of it to carry alone. Others who are weary and heavy laden need to know Jesus is the Burden Bearer who will give them rest (Matthew 11:28).

Our help is further made effectual through the kindness and understanding we extend to people who are groping with trouble they cannot handle alone. Although the Lord's help is real, sometimes the souls in our midst require a human hand to reach out to them; they yearn for a human ear to hear their lament; they desire a human voice to console them. Because we have known trial, we understand and can fulfill their need.

Because we have known trial, we can be that hand that lifts their burden, be that ear that hears their weeping, be that voice that offers them sweet consolation. Our Lord does not waste His resources—we, His people, are His resources. It is His desire to use us to help others. Through our own ordeals, we become compassionate and understanding. Jesus desires that each of us becomes like Him, and evidences His kind heart.