News about someone taking his own life usually shocks people supposedly close to the person. Stories of loved ones saying they could not believe what had just transpired is a reaction common to most bereaved family members and friends. Only the person who gets to listen to that person will have an inkling why such a tragedy took place.
And so as followers of Jesus, we should be conscious about the invisible burdens that people around us carry. While there are those who openly tell everyone about their issues in life, there are those who keep mum, and worse there are those who mask their depression with a supposed great life narrative that they project both online and in real life.
As Christians we are called to be more sensitive about these things. By being conscious about what others are going through we could prevent tragedies, and at the same time, help others ease their load.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
So how do we do this? Well in this busy, busy hyperconnected world, we all still need someone to talk to. When we know that someone could be going through something difficult, we can just try to be there for that person. Chat her up and ask to meet for coffee or a walk, or do errands together. Listen if she has something to say, and give Godly advice when it is sought for. If she is not up for your physical presence then checking in from time to time with her through a message, or sending scripture should help. The point is struggling people should know there is someone who cares.
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” Romans 15:1-2
We will never know what other people are going through if we are too self-immersed. We should get out of our shells and make conversations after church. Regularly attend bible study groups and encourage one another through their issues. Check on friends and family members, and ask how you can pray for them.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
And while this can be a bit time consuming because one on one personal conversations could set us back a couple of hours for prep, traffic, and the meet up itself, the effort is worth it. Jesus tells us that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for one’s friends and in our present time, our life is summed up as time — the hours that we pour over our days. So why don’t we give up some of our time to help others feel that someone cares? And better yet why won’t we share to them where our joy and hope comes from amid the trials we have in life and point them to Jesus?
More importantly, we should pray for them. We should sincerely pray that those afflicted with sadness and grief especially this holiday season will be touched and healed by the Lord.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” James 5:16
When we show genuine concern over others, and spend our time and resources to help them feel better and point them to Jesus, the Lord promises to not overlook our efforts.
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” Hebrews 6:10
We are all carrying invisible burdens and so, we should be conscious about our judgments towards other people, and how we choose to spend our time. Isn’t encouraging others face to face a way better use of our time than doom scrolling, binge watching, or worse gossiping?
So if you are up to the challenge, let us draw up a list of at least three people in our life who might be feeling depressed, hopeless, and alone this Christmas. Let’s ring them up and meet them for the holidays for some face to face encouragement, in turn allowing Jesus to use us to comfort others.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you have anyone in your life right now who might need someone who will listen to them?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God of all comforts. Thank you for helping me endure my challenges and taking me under your wings. Please help me comfort others the way you have comforted me, so I could at least follow your command to care and encourage the people around me. Amen.
“We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” Thessalonians 5:14
