We gather as one body, but we all different troubles. We gather as one body, but we all rejoice in different bits of news.
Some of you suffer strained family relations. Some of you have financial pressures. Some of you have to deal with the grinding ingratitude of others, who should know better. Some of you don’t know how to confront a friend who is being stupid and unapproachable. Some of you have to deal with chronic pain, or with debilitating illness.
But this is a community, and some of you are rejoicing because of a significant promotion. Some of you are financially comfortable. Some of you are surrounded with family that functions as family ought to. Some of you thank the Lord daily for good health.
When the Bible tells us to bear one another’s burdens, this presupposes that God’s people will always have them. When the Bible tells us to carry our own burden, then surely we have enough strength to do so—and to offer to help another.
As one writer has noted, God cultivates His graces and virtues, what Paul calls fruit, in circumstances that seem like they are not conducive to such growth. But He knows what He is doing. Love is challenged and grows in the presence of the unlovely. Joy overcomes the surrounding grumbles. Peace stands against besetting anxieties. Patience strives against all the exasperations that would make us impatient. Kindness responds when roughness wants to. Goodness stands in stark relief against the blackness of evil and wicked deeds. Gentleness is what is by way of contrast. Faithfulness continues on when it doesn’t feel like it. Self-control holds the reins when the passions are straining against the bit and bridle.
Life is hard. Do your part. Life is hard. Lend a hand.
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