Answers
By BGEA Admin • October 5, 2023 • Topics: Money
Q:
My husband and I are going through very difficult times—the sickness of a child, a change in careers, etc. Is it right to burden our friends and loved ones with these kinds of problems?
A:
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
There are burdens that every man must bear for himself, for no one can do it for him; and if he neglects them, they will not be borne. However, as Christians, we are to bear one another’s burdens, and friends and family can help us bear sorrows, misfortune, trials, loneliness, family cares, and spiritual difficulties. But we are not to worry about our burdens. We are to roll them on to God’s shoulders, looking to Him for power to sustain and strengthen us.
The Bible says that as Christians we are to be generous with each other. God says it is our duty as Christians to take care of widows and orphans and to help the poor within the Christian society.
So while we can share our concerns and difficulties with others, asking for their prayers and fellowship of encouragement, we must also be interested in the burdens that others bear. The Bible says in various places that we are to “contribute to the needs of the saints … practice hospitality … lodge strangers … wash the saints’ feet … relieve the afflicted … be not forgetful to entertain strangers,” and to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2 NIV). The Bible also says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Most of all, we mustn’t let the burdens and hardships of this life distract us or discourage us. We must be reminded to keep our eyes fixed on what God promised—His presence every step of our journey.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
