Living Free Every Day

Today's Scripture
"Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Sharing the burdens of a person who has a lost a loved one includes offering our presence and spiritual support. But it can also include much-needed acts of service. Cooking meals. Cleaning. Providing transportation. Caring for children. Errands. Whatever is needed. James makes it clear that words need to be supported by acts. We need to ask God to help us be sensitive to all the needs and to give us wisdom to help in any way we can.

Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup--where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? James 2:14-17 MSG

Consider this...
In order to share the burdens with people recovering from the impact of death, it is vital to take care of yourself physically so that you will have the stamina required. You also need to encourage the survivors to take the necessary precautions to be strong through the bereavement period.

Regular exercise (at least a half-hour session of aerobic exercises three or four times a week) is important. Balanced and nutritious meals are needed three times a day and from eight to nine hours of sleep each 24 hours are essential.

Prayer...
Father, as I reach out to help people who have lost a loved one, help me to truly share their burden--in prayer and spiritual support and also in practical acts of service. Help me to be sensitive to their needs and give me wisdom in responding. In Jesus' name ...