“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’” Galatians 5:13-14.
Becoming a mom made me appreciate my own mother differently. When I got sick as a child, I knew she would be there to bring in a cold cloth, feed me some soup, or even drag our old black and white television into my room so I would not be bored while I recovered. Having my own kids highlighted that caregiver tendency in me as I would still get out of bed to make sure they had what they needed, whether it was another blanket or getting them to eat a popsicle to try and get their fever down. Some days, it is hard to find the joy of the Lord in serving when I am physically sick. It would be much easier to take care of myself and let everyone else fend for themselves. In the same way, it is hard to find the joy of the Lord in serving when I feel hurt or struggling as a pastor’s wife.
Our churches are full of spiritually sick people who need care even in the middle of our own struggles. Galatians 5:13-14 shares that our freedom found through a relationship with God is not to be used for our fleshly desires but to humbly serve others. As pastors’ wives, we each have a church family God has given to us for our unique role as caretakers and helpers. So, while it is natural to have difficult seasons in this role as we deal with spiritually sick and sinful “family members,” we need to guard against the temptation to completely separate ourselves from our spiritual family during these times. Now, this does not mean we serve in an unhealthy way. We certainly will have times when we need to briefly step away from specific things during a season of hurt, but through Christ’s strength, we can continue to love our spiritual family. Here are some ideas of what that can look like during that season.
Romans 12:15 says, “…weep with those who weep.” God can use us to minister to and mourn with hurting people through His strength, uniquely because of our struggles.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens…” God can use us to actively support those struggling as we love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31), as well as allow us to go to trusted people in our lives for support ourselves.
Second Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “…comfort those who are in any affliction…” God can use us to continue to share our struggles to comfort and connect with those who may also be struggling.
God is the great healer, not just of physical pain but also of spiritual and emotional pain (Psalm 147:3). If you are having a hard season, know that you are not alone. Our amazing heavenly Father sees and cares for you as you continue caring for others in your family (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:15; 1 John 3:1).
Taking it Further:
What ways are you serving now that might require you to step back if you are in a season of hurt? How can you continue to honor God’s command to serve in a healthy way that helps you to be renewed through his strength?
