BEARING THE BURDEN
Bearing the Burden
Caring for the Vulnerable
The heart of the Gospel beats with a sincere love for the innocent, broken, and weak, the often forgotten, and the vulnerable among us. As followers of Christ, we are not merely called to believe, but to act. We are called to embody the very character of our Lord, who, as Matthew 18:5 states, declared, "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me." This verse is not merely a quaint sentiment; it is a divine mandate, a call to action that demands our attention and obedience, especially in the face of unseen struggles.
What, then, does it mean to "receive" the vulnerable? It means welcoming them into our hearts, homes, and communities. It means to recognize their inherent worth as children of God, regardless of their circumstances. It means to offer them not just pity, but practical assistance, unwavering support, and the dignity that is their due. We may not always know the specific trials others face, but we are called to be attentive.
The Scriptures are replete with commands and examples of how we are to care for those in need, often in ways we could not have foreseen. Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts us, "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." We are called to be their advocates, their voices in a world that often seeks to silence them, even when their needs are hidden from view.
Jesus Himself set for us the ultimate example. He did not shy away from the broken, the downtrodden, the social outcasts, the lepers, the tax collectors, and the sinners. He touched them, healed them, and offered them hope when all others would not give them a moment's attention. He identified with their suffering and challenged the societal norms. Often, we can only see the outward appearance of a person, not the daily struggles that may be taking place behind closed doors; yet, we are still called to love them and care for them.
The Apostle James further emphasizes this responsibility, writing in James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." True faith, according to James, is not merely a matter of intellectual assent; it is demonstrated through compassionate action. It is about actively seeking out those who are suffering and offering them comfort and support.
We must be mindful of the warning issued by Jesus in Matthew 18:6: "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." We must be ever vigilant, guarding our words and actions, ensuring that we do not lead the vulnerable astray, but rather guide them toward the light of Christ.
Let us, therefore, examine our hearts and our actions. Are we truly welcoming the vulnerable, even when their needs are not immediately apparent? Are we actively seeking opportunities to serve them, even when the call is subtle? Are we bearing their burdens, as Galatians 6:2 commands? May we strive to live out a faith that is not only heard, but seen, a faith that reflects the boundless love and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that is willing to provide for those who may be hidden from the world.
~ Casey Clement
>PS. Each day this week, consider someone who is vulnerable or in need. Pray for them and go out of your way to do something to assist them in their time of need. Daily, wash, rinse, and repeat!