Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Courage, compassion with boundaries and connection.

Do you need ordinary courage to help carry others burdens?

It takes great courage to ‘put yourself out’ and help others. When you allow yourself to share and help others with ordinary courage you are being like Christ.

A woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law required she be stoned to death. Jesus spoke up for her through ordinary courage and her life was spared.

Did Jesus practice compassion with boundaries?

Jesus had great compassion for all, but he also knew how to establish limits. This isn’t always easy, is it? We worry, or rather, I used to worry if I ever said “no” to someone. But sometimes I’ve learned to say no, this is love.

“Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.’”  Mark 8:33

Jesus loved and had compassion for Peter but, He was not afraid to protect His way of thinking and His spirit. Jesus was alert and focused on doing God’s will.

Do we connect with people when we bear their burdens?

When you think over your own life who are the people you feel most connected too? Chances are those people are the ones who at some point or time helped you through a great struggle or loss. We feel connected to people who share their ordinary courage, compassion and lend support to us.

Jesus proclaimed “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10.

They, are you and me. Jesus came to connect with us. Jesus came so you and I may have life and have it abundantly. He came to help us bear our burdens. When we help others, we are being like Christ.