Lending Support to One Another: Walking Together in Love

Life can be busy. Between work, family responsibilities, appointments, and the many unexpected things that come up in a week, our days often feel full before they’ve even begun. It’s not that we don’t care about others—it’s just that life has a way of pulling us in many directions. Yet in the midst of it all, the Scripture gently reminds us: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

As a church family, we’re called not just to worship together on Sundays, but to walk with one another through the highs and lows of life. While many of us are already doing this in quiet, faithful ways—through texts, visits, prayers, and kind words—it’s worth pausing now and then to reflect on how we can continue to be intentional in offering support to one another.

Support Starts With Awareness

Sometimes, the first step in helping is to simply be attentive. Not everyone will feel comfortable saying, “I’m struggling.” Some may carry heavy burdens quietly, unsure of how to ask for help or worried about troubling others. That’s why it's so important that we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, make an effort to notice. A gentle, “How are you doing—really?” can open the door to an honest conversation.

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” We were never meant to face hard times alone, and often, just knowing someone sees and cares can lighten a heavy heart.

Listening Is Powerful

When someone does open up, our first and most loving response is to listen. Truly listen. Not with half an ear while we think about what advice to give, but with a heart that seeks to understand. Sometimes, the best gift we can give someone is a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or quick fixes.

James 1:19 reminds us, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” There is wisdom in pausing before we respond, and in allowing people to fully express themselves. Listening doesn’t mean we have to solve the problem. Often, our presence and willingness to give attention is enough.

Be Present, Not Just Helpful

Support doesn’t always have to come in the form of answers. Sometimes, it’s simply about showing up. Sitting with a grieving friend. Sharing a meal with someone who’s had a long, lonely week. Offering a ride. Sending a message to say, “You’ve been on my mind—how can I pray for you?”

These gestures may seem small, but they often mean more than we realize. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Whether someone is celebrating or struggling, showing up communicates: “You matter. You’re not alone.”

I’ve been personally blessed by this kind of love from the brethren. During a season of personal difficulty when I had a lot on my mind, many reached out. One member made multiple trips to my workplace just to spend lunch time with me. Some opened up their homes to me. Another member invited me out to the gym. Many sat down with me just to listen. These were all small acts of kindness, but deeply meaningful.

Many years back, when my father passed away, the church youth came together in the most touching way. They didn’t just send messages or verbally offer their condolences—they showed up for my family. Many of them including myself were still students then, and I remember that it was the examination period. Despite this, they stayed with us at the wake, even through the night, to make sure that everything was in order and that we weren’t alone. Their quiet acts of care brought us comfort during one of the most difficult moments in our lives. That is what it means to bear one another’s burdens. To those involved, I do not remember personally thanking you after the entire episode, and I apologise for this. So if you are reading this now, please know that I am very grateful.

Ask Before Acting

In our desire to help, it’s easy to jump in with advice based on our knowledge, personal experience or even our beliefs on what should be the ideal state. And as I write this, I acknowledge that I am personally guilty of this too.

Reflecting upon my past actions, I thought to myself, perhaps it’s wise to first pause and ask, “How can I best support you right now?” Everyone’s situation is different. What helps one person might overwhelm another. By asking first, I acknowledge that brother or sister’s unique experience and give them the opportunity to guide me in how to walk alongside them.

This kind of care requires humility and patience. It means holding back our eagerness to fix things in ways which we assume to be most appropriate, and instead, offering our willingness to walk together through the mess with the brother or sister.

Let Love Be the Guide

Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). One of the most beautiful ways we show that love is by supporting each other—not out of obligation, but out of genuine care.

We don’t need to do it all. And we’re not called to carry everyone’s burdens alone. But each of us can do something. A phone call or WhatsApp text. A prayer. A listening ear. A moment of presence. Or even, just a smile. Together, these small acts build a community where no one feels invisible or forgotten.

So as we go about our busy lives, let’s keep our hearts soft and our eyes open. Let’s look out for one another—not because we’re currently failing to do so, but because we want to grow in the love Christ has called us to.

May LAP continue to be a place where compassion flows freely and support is never in short supply.