There's No Shame In Needing Help

Jesus Is Here To Help Your Stress

Christian Commentary on Marcus Aurelius' Quote

Quote: “Don’t be ashamed of needing help. You have a duty to fulfill just like a soldier on the wall of battle. So what if you are injured and can’t climb up without another soldier’s help?” —Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.7

Commentary:

In this quote, Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of seeking and accepting help when necessary, paralleling the need for mutual support in fulfilling one’s duty to that of soldiers in battle. This concept is also central to Christian teachings, which highlight the values of humility, community, and mutual support. The following scriptures offer insights that align with and expand upon Aurelius' wisdom:

1. Humility and the Need for Help:

• James 4:6 (NIV): "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

• This verse underscores the virtue of humility, acknowledging that recognizing our need for help and accepting assistance is a form of humility. God’s grace is extended to those who are humble enough to seek support from others.

1. Mutual Support and Bearing Burdens:

• Galatians 6:2 (NIV): "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

• The Apostle Paul instructs Christians to support one another, mirroring the image of soldiers assisting each other on the battlefield. By carrying each other’s burdens, believers fulfill Christ’s law of love and compassion.

1. Strength in Community:

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

• This passage emphasizes the strength found in community and mutual assistance. It aligns with Aurelius' analogy of soldiers helping each other, illustrating that collaboration leads to greater resilience and success.

1. Encouragement and Building Each Other Up:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV): "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

• Encouragement within the Christian community is vital for spiritual growth and perseverance. Supporting each other in times of need fosters a sense of unity and purpose, akin to soldiers encouraging each other in the heat of battle.

1. Confession and Healing through Community:

• James 5:16 (NIV): "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

• This verse highlights the importance of community in the process of healing and growth. Confessing and praying for each other embodies the idea of soldiers relying on each other for support, underscoring that spiritual and emotional healing often come through the intercession and assistance of others.

1. Interdependence and Mutual Growth:

• Proverbs 27:17 (NIV): "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

• This proverb illustrates the concept of mutual growth and improvement through interpersonal relationships. Just as soldiers sharpen their skills and resilience through mutual support, Christians are called to help and refine one another in their faith journeys.

Conclusion

The teachings of the Bible consistently affirm the message of Marcus Aurelius' quote: needing help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity for humility, growth, and the strengthening of community bonds. By supporting one another and accepting help, Christians fulfill their duty to love and serve, much like soldiers who rely on each other to achieve victory in battle. This mutual dependence and support are crucial for spiritual resilience and collective strength in the journey of faith.