As with every other relationship, sometimes soldiers really get on each other’s nerves. On occasion, I would individually counsel two bickering soldiers on the same day, learning that the suffering, sin struggles, and strife existed on both sides of the argument. Can you imagine how helpful it would have been if they would open up to one another about these same issues?
As Christians, we are also tempted to engage in strife rather than share our suffering and struggles with sin. Why? Because we forget our common need for the Gospel. If these quarreling soldiers had known each other’s needs, they might have bonded rather than bickered. How much more so for Christians who recognize and know their common need for Christ!
Thank God that Jesus did not come just to share in our strife, but also to bear our sin. And He did so that we could appear without sin and blameless before God, cloaked in His righteousness. If He bore so great a burden for your sake, then I urge you to share one another’s burdens, too.