Is the Church bearing one another’s burdens?

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

How often in today’s world do we bear one another’s burdens? Probably not as often as we should. In today’s fast paced, hectic, busy and widespread lives, we simply aren’t there for one another as we ought.

I was talking to a friend recently who has had to get help from the govt in order to help with a particular family situation. Rather than relying on brothers and sisters in Christ in the Church, they have had to apply to the govt for help!

When did we get so busy that our own Christian family has had to seek help from the govt? This got me to thinking what God’s word says about this kind of thing.
I don’t know if it does mention anything specific, but the verse above, and others I will post, do seem to say that Christians are a family and need to look out for, and help & support each other rather than having to rely on others.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1

Now, I realise that these verses are probably not specifically referring to helping people in the way I am thinking, but the principle I believe is obvious.

We are the Body of Christ, what can the hand do without the arm? What can the foot do without the leg?

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. … For the body is not one member, but many. …But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Corinthians 12:12,14,18

I know these are referring to ‘spiritual gifts’, but the gifts are to be used in the physical. We need to use our gifts not only to tell/show the world of God, but to help each other as well.

We can join all the “social causes” we like: pay for overseas missionaries, feed and clothe the needy, save whales, keep the planet green etc etc etc, but who is looking after our own? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that these causes aren’t noble in and of themselves, but really, if they aren’t being done in Christ’s name, at His request, who are we doing them for? These verses come to mind when I think of this kind of thing – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 (Italics my emphasis.)
The part in italics proves that not all wonderful works (social causes) are of Christ. SO many people believing they are doing things in His name, yet Jesus says He never knew them!
So who is checking on the elderly couple from church? Who is helping the single parent? Who is feeding the poor in their own church? …

How far we have fallen short of bearing one another’s burdens in the Church, in the Body of Christ that we are a part of!
This makes me really sad because in today’s society we have become either focused on our own lives or on ‘social causes’ rather than helping our own.
Is there anything we can do for members of our own churches? Pray, ask the Lord to open your eyes to needs in your church. Speak to people find out their needs and ask if they need any help. God has given us all talents, skills, abilities to use them in the Body, so let’s do it. Let’s get back to being not just hearers of the word and deceiving ourselves, but doers of God’s word. He will make a way where we see none, if we are willing to obey.
Are we playing at Christianity or are we just giving a wink and a nod to God on a Sunday and getting back to our lives during the week? And yes, I’m speaking to myself here as well. I know I fall short, but in my situation I can’t do a lot as I’m an hour away from my fellowship, but I’m doing certain things I can with the abilities I have.

Just one more thing. I know this might seem a bit harsh to some, but really, what are we doing if we aren’t serving one another in the Body/Church? Take Jesus’ example of washing His disciples’ feet. I think this is showing His humility, and that Christians are to serve one another in humility, not ’causes’ in the world.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
>By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.<“ John 13:34,35
Imagine the amazing witness to God in the world this would be if we went back to the old paths and did this!