There are times when all of us need help.
Not because our faith is weak.
Not because we have failed.
But because God never intended for us to carry every burden by ourselves.
From the very beginning, the Church has been a community of people supporting one another.
Praying together.
Serving together.
Weeping together.
Rejoicing together.
As Paul continues his letter, he moves from encouraging reconciliation to calling another believer to step in and help.
His words remind us that some burdens are too important to ignore.
Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do is quietly come alongside someone who needs our support.
Scripture Reading
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the Gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Devotional Reading
Paul refers to several believers as his fellow laborers.
What a beautiful description of the Church.
Not competitors.
Not spectators.
Fellow workers.
Each person contributing according to the gifts God has given.
Notice, too, that Paul acknowledges the faithful service of these women.
They had labored alongside him in the work of the Gospel.
Their efforts mattered.
Their faithfulness was remembered.
And when they needed help, Paul did not hesitate to ask others to support them.
The Kingdom of God advances through ordinary people who faithfully serve one another in love.
No act of service is too small.
No faithful labor goes unnoticed by the Lord.
There’s a quiet humility in accepting help.
There is also great grace in offering it.
Sometimes we hesitate because we fear becoming a burden.
Other times we notice someone’s need but assume someone else will step in.
Paul leaves little room for either response.
He calls believers to help one another.
Not reluctantly.
Not out of obligation.
But as fellow members of the same family.
The burdens we carry become lighter when they are shared.
A listening ear.
A meal prepared.
A prayer offered.
A word of encouragement at just the right moment.
These simple acts become holy because they reflect the heart of Christ,
who continually comes alongside His people.
Ask the Lord today to make you attentive to the needs around you.
Who might be carrying a burden in silence?
Who could use a word of encouragement?
Who might simply need someone to listen?
Do not worry about doing something extraordinary.
Often the smallest expressions of love have the deepest impact.
And if you are the one who needs help,
don’t be afraid to receive it.
Allow others the joy of serving you,
just as Christ has faithfully served us all.
The Church is strongest when we help one another walk faithfully toward Christ.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for placing me within the family of Your Church.
Thank You for the brothers and sisters who have encouraged me,
prayed for me,
and helped carry my burdens through the years.
Give me eyes to notice those who need encouragement today.
Keep me from becoming so busy that I overlook opportunities to serve.
Teach me to offer help with humility,
to receive help with gratitude,
and to remember that every act of love reflects the heart of Christ.
May I never grow weary in doing good,
knowing that no labor offered in Your name is ever wasted.
And may our churches become places where burdens are shared,
wounds are gently tended,
and every believer is strengthened to continue the work You have entrusted to us.
For our names are written in the Book of Life,
and our greatest joy is to labor together for the glory of Your Kingdom.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.