So glad you want Deeper Coaching. Dig in here and let God grow you.
Week 8: A Burden Shared is Half as Heavy
QUESTION
Do you have any friends who know what you’re going through right now? And…do you have any friends that you are helping to carry their burden?
PARABLE
Over the past 3 months, Mike went deeper with two friends. He opened up about some struggles, and this week one of them shared his work pressure. Mike said, “Bro, I’ve been there. Let’s pray and check in weekly.” No one had offered that for him before. It felt awkward at first, but that safe space and prayer brought peace and confidence. What started as small talk grew into real friendship, a sense of team, and spiritual strength.
EXAMINE SELF
Are you willing to carry emotional or spiritual burdens with a friend when things get hard—or do you avoid going that deep?
- I avoid deep stuff
- I offer surface-level help
- I reactively help but don’t initiate
- I carry burdens well at times
- I actively check in and follow up
SCRIPTURE
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
QUOTE
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have—and someone shows up to carry the other end.” — Anonymous
TIP
When a friend shares something hard, don’t try to fix it first. Start with: “Thanks for trusting me with that. How can I support you?”
ACTION STEP
Do you have a friend in a tough season? Call and text to ask, “How can I support you or lighten your load a bit?”
COMMITMENT
Commit to being a “burden-bearer” for a close friend. Create a reminder to check in weekly for the next month, and follow through with prayer and practical support.
CONFESSION
I’ve been afraid of other people’s tough situations and emotions. I’ve stayed too shallow, perhaps to protect myself.
REPENTANCE
Jesus, You didn’t avoid pain—you entered into it for us. Help me follow You by noticing and helping carry my friends’ heavy and painful burdens.
HABIT
Start a simple practice: “Pause, Pray, Pursue.”
When a friend shares something real:
- Pause and listen.
- Pray silently or with them.
- Pursue as God guides you to follow-up within 48 hours.
DISCUSS WITH A FRIEND
What does carrying each other’s burdens look like practically? How can we do that better for each other?
COACHING
Consider which type of “burden-bearing” friend you tend to be:
- The Fader – starts but fades
- The Feeler – says nice things but doesn’t do much
- The Fixer – jumps right to advice
- The Faithful – does what you need to completion
Which one do you want to become?
PRAYER
Father, make me a man who doesn’t flinch when life gets hard—for myself or my friends. Teach me to walk with friends in strength and compassion, like Jesus did.
CHECK-IN
Consider your circle of quality friends and ask God to give you a sense of who may be sweating under a heavy burden. Reach out to him today. He may need you to ask him if he’s struggling. Maybe support him by saying, “You don’t have to carry that alone…I’d like to help.”
Which of these are you carrying alone? Which can a friend help carry?
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