Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #13 — Shared Burdens

Picture: Counsel #13 — Shared Burdens CR 218.1

Every family will encounter burdens such as illness, grief, job loss, parenting struggles, financial tension, or spiritual dryness, but when those burdens fall on just one person, exhaustion and resentment can take root. CR 218.2

The Bible reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens,” which means not assuming Mom will always cook or that Dad is the designated trash guy. As kids grow into adolescence, they too can learn to help with things like laundry or washing dishes. As a family, carrying the burden together means that each member of the home will step up and help, preferably without being asked. Husbands, if you recognize your wife is overwhelmed, maybe offer to cook dinner that night. Wives, if your husband is working late, don’t leave the trash for him to deal with when he comes home! Burden-sharing isn’t about perfect balance as much as it’s about faithful responsiveness. Some seasons will require one family member to carry more than another. But just as Jesus bore the weight of our sin and shame, we too can help carry the load—for love’s sake.^[229] CR 218.3

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV CR 218.4

“A woman does herself and her family a serious wrong when she does her work and theirs too…. God never designed that wives and mothers should be slaves to their families…. Husbands should do all they can to save the wife care, and keep her spirit cheerful.” Ellen White in Testimony for the Church, No. 31, pp. 176, 177 CR 218.5

Reflect: Do you try to manage your burdens alone? CR 218.6