The Ministry of Health and Healing

Consideration for Burden Bearers

Many have carried so few burdens, their hearts have known so little real anguish, and they have felt so little perplexity and distress in behalf of others, that they cannot understand the work of true burden bearers. They are no more capable of appreciating the heavy responsibilities that others carry than are children of understanding the care and toil of their burdened father. Children may wonder at their father’s fears and perplexities. These appear needless to them. But when years of experience have been added to their lives, when they themselves come to bear heavy burdens, they will look back upon their father’s life and understand that which once was so incomprehensible. Bitter experience has given them knowledge. MHH 283.3

The work of many burden bearers is not understood or appreciated until death lays them low. When others take up the burdens they have laid down and meet the difficulties they encountered, then associates can understand how faith and courage were tested. Often the mistakes they were so quick to censure are lost sight of. Experience teaches them sympathy. God permits men and women to be placed in positions of responsibility. When they err, He has power to correct or to remove them. We should be careful not to take into our hands the work of judging that belongs to God. MHH 284.1

The conduct of David toward Saul has a lesson. By command of God, Saul had been anointed king over Israel. Because of his disobedience the Lord declared that the kingdom should be taken from him, and yet how tender and courteous and forbearing was the conduct of David toward him! In attempting to find David and kill him, Saul came into the wilderness and, unattended, entered the very cave where David with his men of war lay hidden. MHH 284.2

“Then the men of David said to him, ‘This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ... “I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’” ... And he said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.’” 1 Samuel 24:4-6. MHH 284.3

The Savior bids us, “‘Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.’” Remember that soon your life record will pass in review before God. Remember, too, that He has said, “You are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, ... for you who judge practice the same things.” Matthew 7:1, 2; Romans 2:1. MHH 284.4