Family Feature

CARRY EACH OTHER'S BURDENS

In times of uncertainty, we need to exercise empathy and work not just to tolerate people - but to really desire to love others, as Jesus loves us.

We love our friends, families and any relationship that is important to us. Yet the most common stress people experience is still relational stress, which can result in unrest. You may be in a good place at the moment or may be feeling stressed, and that’s ok! Two scriptures that I hope will encourage your journey through 2022:

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A person reaps what they sow. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; Whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

If you see a child, spouse or friend overwhelmed or stressed, be the one who walks beside them. Let’s use gentle words and encouragement in our relationships with those around us. We can’t do life well if we are doing people wrong. When holding onto bitterness and unforgiveness, our relationships become toxic and we don’t prosper. However; kindness, authenticity and love creates a space of trust when tackling life's challenges together.

We’ve all heard the old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?". This isn’t always true. Words can hurt and comments do stay with us. Friends, our words have meaning. Our young people need to hear more about who they are rather than who they are not. I’ve never heard of anyone who has said that they felt overwhelmed by too much encouragement, so let's be kind without ceasing.

A few simple words of encouragement to practise (and believe) in times of uncertainty and stress:

You're doing better than you think you're doing.
God is for you, not against you.
You are a child of God.
Speak life into yourself more often.

We all have highs and lows, and no one is exempt from experiencing life. A reminder that the College's theme for 2022 is 'Integrity' - it is not a year to be uptight, but a year to stand upright.

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” (Proverbs 11:2-3)

Mr David Latianara (Student Wellbeing Coordinator, NWS Campus)