When we are told to “bear ye one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), it means that we must help others, and edify them. But, it also means something else. We are going to have burdens. The degree to which they are our fault or not shouldn’t matter.We should have compassion on others.
Many times, of course, it isn’t anyone’s fault. Or, at least, not anyone close to the situation. As I write, there is an economic downturn. Some worry it could become very bad. However, even in good times, there are people who lose their jobs, their homes, and so on, through no fault of their own. And, of course, the children in a situation really have no control over it. To say that it is automatically the person’s fault is to be as bad as Job’s friends. And, the Lord’s anger was great against those three, because they had spoken so foolishly in blaming Job for things beyond his control. Had Job not offered up a sacrifice and prayed for them, they may have been punished severely. (Job 42:7-8)
At the same time, if you happen to have very little, that isn’t an excuse to give up. God will supply all your needs; remember, that’s the meaning of one of the first verses we looked at. Yes, it will be hard at times. The Shunammite woman was probably hurt by people who questioned why she didn’t have a baby. We know Hannah, Samuel’s mother, was tormented a lot by others. And yet, they didn’t give up. God gave each a child at a time when He knew it was best.
