As you start the new year, here’s an idea: why not dedicate yourself to fulfilling the law of Christ? It’s not as esoteric as it may seem, just carry another’s burden. Jesus told his disciples the same thing on their last evening together. “Love one another,” he reminded them (John 13:34) after demonstrably washing their feet. Love is birthed with messy hands helping another in their need. And there’s plenty of need to go around. You likely don’t even have to leave the walls of your home to find another whose burden you could lighten today…and every day.

Of course, implicit in this command is that you have a burden, too. One that could be made lighter by another’s help. Refuse someone’s assistance and you’ve merely exchanged a gift of love for preservation of pride, with loss to both giver and refuser. And implicit in this command is that you carry another’s burden in spite of your own. Along the way yours will be lightened as well.

Two who loved Jesus deeply, could only watch helplessly as He hung on the cross. Both were in pain. Both were burdened by their pending loss. The narrative of what happened speaks for itself:

Jesus’ mother, his aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother. (John 19:26-27 NIV)

Two who loved the Man hanging on the cross fulfilled His final words to them in their care for each other. We show our love for Him in the same way.

Your thoughts? Whose burden could you help carry today?