We have heard much about the importance of using our gifts to serve one another. But it is important that we learn to use our neediness to serve others as well. Our neediness gives others the opportunity to use their gifts. Afterall, it is impossible to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) if we are all keeping our burdens to ourselves. So, how to give our neediness is instruction all of us can use. Here are several suggestions I hope are helpful.
First, share your burdens with others but keep your faith in God as the provider. God often works through His people to meet the needs of His people, but He has the entire universe at His disposal. If He can use ravens to provide food, and if He can use a fish to dispense cash, and if He can use mud to give sight to a blind man, and if He can use angels as messengers and deliverers, He can use anything to care for us.
Second, share your burden without an attitude of entitlement. The instruction is to bear each other’s burdens, not expect others to bear ours. We all have a debt to love others but no right to demand it from others. Realize whatever anyone contributes to lighten our load is a gift, not our “due.”
Third, share with discretion. Some burdens are especially sensitive; share those with people whom you consider trustworthy and with whom you feel safe. We all need to tell somebody but none of us needs to tell everybody.
Finally, share with an attitude of thanksgiving. God is not only being faithful to us when He removes a burden; He is faithfully caring for us even while it remains. Ask Him to help you receive the grace He is providing even as you wait.
You are a valuable asset to God’s work on this earth as you give and as you receive. Trust the Lord for the blessings that come from both.
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