“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But
let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:2-5)
Jesus taught us that we should love each other and support each other. We are to bear one another’s burdens. We are to reach out and help others with their emotional pain and anguish. We do that best by learning and practicing Christian Listening Skills™. Christ never preached that we must become co-dependent or have a symbiotic relationship with anyone. No, He simply taught us to be there for others.
We are to carry each other’s burdens, but we are to carry our own load. We alone are the ones who can do the work we need to do to face our problems. No one can do it for us.
Many people in recovery immediately pull on Superman’s cape when they reach out to help others. They think they have to save others. Often, they create an unhealthy relationship with nebulous boundaries. That’s not what the scripture calls for. Listen to others so that they feel heard, seen, felt, understood and respected. Listen to them so that they can find their own answers with God. Bear their burden in such a way that they are the ones truly carrying their load, not you.