“Once upon a time, a long time ago, there were three bears, a baby bear, a mama bear, and a papa bear.” Well, this is the story of “The Three Bears” as told by the Apostle Paul in Galatians chapter six.
The First Bear: “Bear ye one another’s burdens” (Vs.2). This is a burden that is simply too heavy for one to bear alone. This burden becomes lighter when it is shared and beared with “Care bears.” You learn that two are better than one. So, when you have a burden to bear, do not resist help, but respond to the help of others. Share and bear your burden with someone who cares. Let the Lord impress you to talk to a certain person you know who really cares. Do not withdraw alone! Pray for a mentor, encourager, and spiritual helper, then let them know you need to share a personal burden with them. Also, Christians should be alert and respond to those who need help. Why? Because we are commanded to bear one another’s burdens. As you become aware, you care, they share, then both bear it. No one should bear their burden alone. Even Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus bear His cross (Mark 15:21). Sometimes you do not need to say anything, but just be “there” to help “bear” the burden.
The Second Bear: “For every man shall bear his own burden” (Vs.5) Realize that there are some burdens that you must bear alone. It could be compared to a soldier with his knapsack that he alone must carry. It is compared to a mother with a baby in her womb that only she can bear. Jesus had a burden that He alone must bear. Jesus went to the garden, the mountains and the cross alone. Others may be aware, but they cannot help. There are some burdens you and others cannot change. You did not cause it, and you cannot correct it. You must accept it as a fact or way of life. Paul prayed three times for a special burden that he alone had to bear. He never once revealed his burden. The Lord did not respond, but replied, “My grace is sufficient” (2 Cor. 12:9). As Paul, you may have to bear it alone, but you can always share it with the Lord who will help you bear it (1 Pet. 5:7). As you share He cares! God may not still your storm, but He can still you in the storm. As Paul, learn that His grace is enough. Trust the Lord to make all things work together for your good and His glory.
The Third Bear: “For I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Vs.17). You may bear a deep burden from the past. Paul is referring to scars from past hurts and wounds. It happened in the past, but the scar (mark) still remains. There are some past pains that may be hard to bear. Do not let the past control your future. Realize you cannot change the past, but you can change the future. During this time; it may seem that God is silent. But He is busy working all things together for your good and His glory. After you have suffered awhile, the God of all grace will make you stablished, stronger, settled, and even sweeter (1Pe 5:10). The rest of the story is that we simply need more “Care Bears.” This is the story of three bears.
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