We help carry each other’s burdens, not to make us feel good but as a response to God’s love; to obey His commandment to love each other, in the same way that He loves us. ( As mentioned by Selwyn, regarding his reference to Galatians 6:2.)
In his introduction, he mentions that a number of people ‘are attracted to counselling because of the good feelings they get as a result of rescuing people from their problems. This is sometimes termed the ‘rescuer syndrome’.’ He says that this syndrome ‘can cause major spiritual problems. We are to help people not because of the good feelings this brings but because it is right’ (to fulfil the law of Christ).
It’s my view that people get into this sort of difficulty because of communication problems – they just don’t talk enough to Jesus. Of greater importance, they don’t spend enough time patiently waiting and listening for God’s answer, in response to their request for advice and direction about helping others. If we put God first and allow Him to direct our actions – we will experience a permanent and growing sense of joy – as we work with Him, which will enable us to survive the unhappy and painful events that may occur when carrying each other’s burdens.
The rescuer syndrome
We help carry each other’s burdens, not to make us feel good but as a response to God’s love; to obey His commandment to love each other, in the same way that He loves us. ( As mentioned by Selwyn, regarding his reference to Galatians 6:2.)
In his introduction, he mentions that a number of people ‘are attracted to counselling because of the good feelings they get as a result of rescuing people from their problems. This is sometimes termed the ‘rescuer syndrome’.’ He says that this syndrome ‘can cause major spiritual problems. We are to help people not because of the good feelings this brings but because it is right’ (to fulfil the law of Christ).
It’s my view that people get into this sort of difficulty because of communication problems – they just don’t talk enough to Jesus. Of greater importance, they don’t spend enough time patiently waiting and listening for God’s answer, in response to their request for advice and direction about helping others. If we put God first and allow Him to direct our actions – we will experience a permanent and growing sense of joy – as we work with Him, which will enable us to survive the unhappy and painful events that may occur when carrying each other’s burdens.
What’s your view?