Many hands make light the work. That is so true! Even for simple projects, another set of hands can be very helpful. I grew up in a big family, and we all pitched in to clean the house at the same time. It was amazing how much we could get done in a short period of time.

Carrying each other’s burdens is one of the blessings we receive by being part of a group of believers like a congregation. Through the relationships that we form, we get shoulders to cry on and words of encouragement through life’s ups and downs. But just what are the burdens that we help each other carry? The obvious ones may be when there is a death in the family, emotional or financial struggles, etc. But have you ever considered the role you play in helping someone deal with his or her sin?

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. . . . Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:1,2).

As sinners ourselves, it’s difficult to step in and address somebody else who is caught in a sin. But if we fail to, it may be his or her spiritual life on the line. Jesus wants us to carry those burdens as well, not hypocritically or in a superior way. Jesus wants us to point out what is taking someone away from him so that we can point that person to him and the forgiveness we all find in his cross.