Burdens vs. Baggage

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Proverbs 27:17

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 7:12

What are our responsibilities to those we love and care for? There is a difference between helping carry each other's bearing burdens to help, strengthen, heal and being an enabler of a brother or sister who has been weighed down with baggage. Burdens I would classify as grief, financial needs, single parenting, standing in prayer ... By baggage I mean compulsive, repetitive behaviors that one engages in that are destructive, such as drug and alcohol abuse, pornography, adultery, and others.
We are called to love one another, to treat one another as we want to be treated. These are concepts that can be forgotten, or often times it's easier to turn a blind eye, and let stuff just happen that we know is wrong, dangerous, or destructive, without confrontation. Confrontation can be uneasy, difficult, and downright uncomfortable. Jesus was a confronter, though, and since we are called to imitate him, we must make hard choices, and ask for divine timing as He prepares the heart. He tells us to hold to His teaching if we are his disciples, and truth is revealed as we move forward, following Him, as insight and revelation are graciously given, loosening shackles.
Iron sharpening iron makes a razor edge, but often with much opposing force, friction, and flying sparks, producing often just what is needed to cut away the ties that bind baggage to us. Loving one another strengthens us to carry loads we all are weighed down with from time to time.
I have learned to appreciate those who apply these principles with me, and it is my hope that the Lord uses me to sharpen, shoulder other's burdens, and cut free baggage from brothers and sisters.
Lord, make us all instruments.