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Bring Your Buddy

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.¹

While riding in the car the other day, my seven-year-old calls out from the back seat, “Turn up the radio! I like this song! It talks about bringing your friends to church!” She then proceeded to sing: “Bring your Buddy, bring your Buddy, you can bring them down to the house of the Lord.” As I listened along, I realized those weren’t the words to the song at all, the song said, “Bring your heartache, bring your burden, you can lay them down at the door. There is no fear; You belong here, Step into the house of the Lord.”²

My daughter’s confused lyrics brought to my mind the story in the book of Mark³ which tells of four young men who carried their sick friend on his cot all the way to Jesus. When they found the house where he was, it was so crowded that they couldn’t get in the door. Knowing that Jesus could heal their buddy, they climbed up to the top of the house and opened a hole in the roof where they lowered their friend down to the feet of Jesus. It is probable that seeing their friend’s illness was causing them heartache. Their burden was their Buddy and they were bringing him down to the Lord! 

We all have friends who need Jesus. We hear their stories, see their pain and heartache, and that may become a burden on our hearts that we need to take to the Lord in prayer. And if we attend a God-dwelling church that we love, then why not invite our Buddy down to the House of the Lord, so that they might experience God’s healing power for themselves. My little girl might not have known the real lyrics to the song, but I think her version carries just as much meaning. Our friends need the Lord; let’s show them the way to Jesus.

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Holy Father, what a blessing friends can be, and even more so when they know you as Savior. Use me to bring my heavy-burdened friends to you, so that they might know your healing spirit and your unconditional love. Thank you for taking my burden and healing my heartache. Allow me to help others do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Galatians 6:2 (CSB).

2. “In the House” – song by Crowder

3. Mark 2:1-12.