Unwarp the Mirror

Real people like real people.
Are we not called to help others carry their burdens—not to take burdens from them but simply to help?

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

A burden is a heavy load, one that is more than the usual life situation. These are the events and decisions we make that bring calamity and heartache in the deepest sense. They include but are not limited to abortion, rape, abuse, divorce, murder, and so on—the traumas of life. We need help with these kinds of burdens. We need to help with these kinds of burdens.

By sharing, we tell others that they are not alone. If they can realize this, even if no one talks about it, they can take comfort. God loves, regardless.

Satan loves to deceive us, and he instills fear in us. One of our fears may be that we are not knowledgeable enough in the Bible to share with others. God can use our testimonies, even in their simplest form, to heal us and to encourage others. Usually, when we are willing to encourage others, we, in turn, are encouraged.

Years ago, I taught a Sunday school class of young children. A girl in my group wanted to know how we could be certain that God forgave our sins. Her question forced me to come up with answers that, in turn, encouraged me—maybe even more than it encouraged her. God always amazes me that He works to get to our minds and our hearts.

Randy and I have heard, “A private sin requires a private confession, and a public sin requires a public confession.” I have confessed, as I have needed to do. Now, I share so others may find freedom in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am not confessing now; I am sharing. There’s a difference.

Sometimes, a private sin needs to be made public to help others. Sometimes it doesn’t. Achan (Joshua 7) was punished publicly for something only he and the Lord knew about. It affected all of Israel, though; that is why there was a public confession and punishment.

What God requires of us—and the only thing we can do—is to administer His grace to others in the same manner we receive it from God. If we can extend only a small amount of grace to others, it may be because we have received or needed to receive only a small amount from God. There is an unlimited amount available, so the restriction would be ours.