Ephesians 4:2
² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)

Bearing with one another seems like something easy to do. It means to hold others up when they are under the weight of this world. Most of us can appreciate the value of being with someone when they are hurting, being a loving embrace, a compassionate presence, and offering intercessory prayer. And often, to bear with another, this is what we are to do. However, a deeper meaning of the word gives us the euphemism of ‘putting up with one another.’ This gives the word ‘bearing’ a completely different take.

The truth is that when we are under the weight of life’s heavy moments, we are not always broken and in need of a hug, prayer, or uplifting word. No, sometimes, this weight can make us difficult. We get edgy, easily irritated, and cantankerous. And so does everyone else. To bear with one another in love also means to respond in love when others are hot-tempered, snapping at us for no reason. This is to be Christ to others. He responded to us with forgiveness though the weight of life’s issues caused us to reject Him outright, curse Him, and rebel against Him. Eventually, we were broken and He came to us as a compassionate high priest, but not before we treated Him first like dirt. Yet, it was this loving response that turned our hearts back to Him. Then He lifted us out from underneath the weight of life.

Jesus lived on Earth by the power of the Spirit. This is the same Spirit we have been given to empower us. We can have this same response to people when the pressure on them causes them to lash out against us.

For the Spirit to present this power in Christ, He first had to humble Himself into the form of a servant. We must humble ourselves remembering that our entire life is to be an act of service to the God who rescued us from the fires of Hell. We must choose the mindset of humility daily. Humility releases the power to bear with one another. We will respond not as offended souls, but as servants to the Most High God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to render myself as Your servant each day, giving up my rights to do your will so that I might help others rise from the weight that is upon them. Amen.