If you ever watch programs on HGTV, you’ve heard the term “load-bearing wall.” That’s the wall in a house that is holding up the rest of the structure. The word bear means “to support.” It also means “to endure.” When we endure one another—with all our imperfections, quirks, disagreements—we are helping hold up the body of Christ.
I admit, I flee when things get difficult in a relationship. But the older I get, the more I see the value of sticking around through thick and thin. Of having difficult conversations. Of reaching out to those I disagree with. Bearing with one another through love.
—Excerpted from 2018: A Book of Grace-Filled Days by Karen Beattie
Karen, “I admit, I flee when things get difficult in a relationship. But the older I get, the more I see the value of sticking around through thick and thin.” Bullseye! Words of wisdom that’s on target. For example, I just had a hard conversation with my son in a tough area, money. We both felt the pain and the struggle. But the conversation had to take place, no matter how difficult. I’m 72 years old. He is 37 years old. Two grown men talking about money. Explosive. But by the grace of God it bore fruit. At least that’s my perspective. I don’t know if it is his. Again, Karen your words opened up a whole area of loving in everyday life for me. Thank you from a Filipino in Manila.
We have to remember that really is Our Lord Jesus the Load-Bearing Wall, we just accept his yoke and go with him
Helping to hold up the body of Christ…that’s a beautiful inspiring image which I will try to keep in my heart in my current daily struggles in trying to help my Dad in his daily trials living with dementia.Thank you
Thank you for these wise words. I’d like to offer a quote from Rowan Williams in response: “Our singularity, our strangeness to each other, our resistance to categorisation point to the fact that the life of each man and woman is unrepeatable, radically distinct from all others….in God’s unimaginable humility, He co-operates with the freedom of each one of us.” And so humility is the key, I think, to working with each other.
In reference to the 2nd paragraph. It is many times difficult to do? But so worthwhile for both parties.
It’s hard to imagine there are people who have not experienced the load bearing wall concept. ( a fantastic visual !) but they do exist…if not the need for the load bearer would not