“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
I am married to a nurse, so I know firsthand that caregivers make the worst patients! I’ve had several dozen doctors in the congregations I’ve served, and they’re a pain in the neck when they need care, too! I’ve made this point throughout my ministry, and no doctor or nurse has disagreed. The same holds for most Christian people. We are much better at giving care than at receiving it. Acts 20:35 has really messed up Christianity, because it has been so misinterpreted. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I would argue that it is more blessed to give and receive than to give alone.
In the scripture quote from Galatians 6:2, it does not say, “bear others’ burdens.” It says, “bear one another’s burdens.” We are expected to take on others' burdens, but also to allow others to take on ours. It is an act of faithfulness to trust other children of God to work with us and help us through life's challenging moments.
Another blessing of accepting care is learning to place one’s life in another’s hands. If you’ve been under anesthesia and had surgery, you’ve experienced a profound lack of control. If you are chronically unable to receive care without frustrating yourself and everyone around you, you will need to address your inability to trust. None of us live in a vacuum, and we all must trust others. For example, when you drive your car, you must trust that someone will not swerve into you and hit you head-on. If you cannot learn to trust the other unknown drivers, your fear will keep you from driving.
The foundation of the Christian faith is handing your life over to God. Your spirituality is based on letting go of your control. The more comfortable you become with receiving care, the better you will be at letting God take the wheel and drive your life. The next time you feel vulnerable, offer God your emotions, and focus on the people providing you with care. Intentionally focus on their kindness and skill. Thank them and prayerfully thank God for placing them in your life. Whether it is a doctor, nurse, or family member, focus on them and let them know you appreciate and trust them. The more comfortable you feel with others providing care, the better you will be at receiving divine care.
