4:179 – Unshared Battles

#faithbites #faithjourney unshared

Setting

Today as I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw the picture you see here. It hit me hard as I share a lot. You may think I am an overshared and that’s ok. There are some things that I don’t share, but it’s not a lot. Others, have many things left unshared. It doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling or fighting these battles. We just don’t know what they are going through. So what does this mean? It means we share love, compassion, and respect for everyone. We need to assume the yare going through something and give them the same love that we would give to someone who we knew was going through a challenge.

Today’s Questions: How do you treat people who you know are suffering? What do you differently for them than you would for people who you think are doing great?

Scripture

• 1 Peter 2:17 – Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
• Romans 12:10 – Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
• Romans 15:1-2 – We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Reflection

When we know someone is sick, we offer support. When someone is moving, we get together to help them back up and get everything in order. If someone looks fine, we treat them “normally’, whatever that means. They may be like me, smiling, but living with depression, anxiety, hurt, loss, financial hardship, or any number of anything. Imagine if we started each conversation, with, “How are you?” and ended it with “What may I do to help you?”. Of course this requires a relation of trust and understanding.

It’s a change for sure. It requires a lot more effort and intentionality. But it works and builds us up as a community and as servants of Christ.

As we close, don’t forget to love one another as you love yourself. If you are struggling, others are too. If you are doing well, others may be struggling. Just love on them and remember that you may be the only light in their day.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for answering our prayers. You’ve created in us a spirit of love, compassion, and service. We know that many of our loved ones are struggling with unshared battles. Help us to love everyone and treat them with care. We don’t know what they are going through. Let us share your love and light to them. Let us be your voice and your presence in their lives. We pray for your guidance and love, Amen.