What will you wear to church next Sunday? Maybe there’s a new sweater or a cute pair of boots you’ve been waiting to pull out of your closet. But sometimes, we put on more than clothing in an effort to wear our “Sunday best.” We might feel tempted to hide behind a veneer of confidence or positivity to avoid appearing needy. Or we may settle for exchanging pleasantries instead of sharing what’s really weighing on our hearts.

Instead, Betsy Kirk challenges us to bring all of who we are—our burdens as well as joys—when we gather with our family of fellow believers. She gently reminds us that the feelings we often try to cover up are common to all. “In the Bible, wrestling with fear and anxiety isn’t shameful; it’s assumed,” she writes. “If your struggle with fear and anxiety has become too heavy for you alone, it’s time to expose it to the full strength of your Christian community.”

The old adage, “It’s better to give than receive,” shouldn’t keep us from accepting grace and encouragement from our brothers and sisters in Christ. So next Sunday, go ahead and wear that new sweater—but feel free to leave behind any forced smile that would cover up hidden worries. By allowing others to carry our burdens and inviting them to share their own struggles, we collectively experience the beautiful provision God has given us through each other.

Laura Ehrman
Discipleship Programming Administrator

P.S. Want more ways to encourage (and be encouraged by) your fellow believers? Join us at TGC25 in April! With breakouts like “The Rich Blessing of Spiritual Disciplines” and “Speaking Wisely About Mental Health in the Church,” you’ll find many opportunities to be equipped to serve your church community.