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Scripture Reading : Galatians 6:2, 5

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ . . . For each one shall bear his own load.

These two verses so close together seem contradictory, but are not. The two words for "burden" in the Greek are different. The word in verse two would be better translated "weights," while the “load” in verse 5 is correct in the NKJV. When one has an excessive weight to carry we should help him, but we should never shun to carry our own rightful load.

Various burdens

Galatians 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness." The thought of verse 2, "Bear one another's burdens," may especially be in connection with these overtaken in a fault. However, it also has a far wider application. Let us indeed afford comfort, counsel, and help to the morally weak, but let us also bear the burdens of those weak in body. There are those overburdened by sickness or old age. Some are bearing great sorrow, or shame, or loads laid on them by relatives. Poverty is a burden that we may be able to lighten. These burdened ones are everywhere; in the home, in the church, in the neighborhood. Let us seek them out and help as we are able.

Illustration of bearing one another’s burdens

The story is told of a visiting preacher who stayed in the farm home of a Christian family. They had two horses, one young and spirited; the other old, very slow, and feeble. When the two were plowing together it was interesting to see the young horse out one step ahead and pulling the biggest part of the load. What an example of "bearing one another's burdens." However, sometimes the two horses would appear to be equally strong, and yet one was always a step behind, not pulling his share. On such the farmer used language the horse could understand, encouraging to "Bear your share of the load."

Example of our Lord

Wherever our Lord met a burdened one He was ready to lend a helping hand. We read of Him, "Who went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). He fed the poor, healed the sick, and raised the dead. Of course, being God the Son¹, He had powers we do not have. We cannot feed 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes, but when we know of one in need perhaps we can be of help. We cannot heal the sick, but we can visit them, read the Scriptures to them, and pray with them. We cannot raise the dead, but we can visit and comfort the bereaved, and perhaps assist them. Without a doubt, such practices help in establishing Christians, and are a step forward in reaching the lost for Christ.

Selfishness

Some Christians have completely shut themselves out from the troubles and sorrows of others. They are isolationists whose sole interest is in self. They have not learned the secret of Christian joy—putting our Lord Jesus first, others second, and self last. The true secret of Christian happiness lies in abandoning self for the cause of Christ and the good of others. Let us remember, the time may come when we ourselves will be overburdened, and then we will be happy to have someone to help carry our weight.

Look to the Lord for help

If you are an overburdened Christian, do not look to Christians for help; look to the Lord. We read, "Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved" (Ps. 55:22). He can carry your burden in a way that a Christian cannot. He is carrying you; let Him carry your burden, too. Do not be like the fellow who was walking along a dusty road with a load on his back. Another man, coming along in a pickup, gave him a ride, but the man kept the load on his back. The driver stopped and said, "Put your load back there in the truck." "Oh, no," said the man, "It is very kind of you to give me a ride, but I do not want you to carry my load, too." Just as foolish is the man who persists in carrying his own load when the Lord, who is carrying him, stands ready to carry the burden, too.

Fulfill the law of Christ

The book of Galatians speaks particularly against legalism. It not only tells us that the ceremonial law has been completely superseded by Christ, but also that salvation² is not by law keeping. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 2:16; 3:11; KJV; etc.). However, our verse (Gal. 6:2; NKJV) says, "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." The law of Christ that we are asked to keep is the law of love. As we have already noticed in previous lessons, to love one another is a commandment of Christ.

Bear our own burden

As we noticed at the beginning of this lesson, the word "burden" in Galatians 6:5 is a different word in the original than the one in verse 2, and refers to our rightful load. Sometimes Christians shun the load they should bear in the home or in the congregation. We are to bear one another's burdens of trial and suffering; but each one of us is to bear his own burden of duty and responsibility. The burden of sharing human infirmity is one thing, the burden of giving an account for our actions to God is quite another: the former is distributed between our brethren to be mutually borne, the latter rests on each other separately and apart.

Shirkers in the church

Each Christian has a share of the burden of the church to bear. It is the duty of each Christian to be at worship services when possible. This is a great encouragement to all the Christians and to the one proclaiming God's Word³. Be on hand no matter what is on the schedule, or no matter who is doing the speaking. It is the duty of the elders, i.e.,  pastors or shepherds of the church⁴, as well as the preacher, to see to it that those who do come are fed by the Word of God. "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you" (1 Pet. 5:2). Undernourished sheep are not spiritually happy.

Other suggestions for helping

Be a booster, not a knocker. It is easy to find fault, but it helps much more to boost and encourage. Often the worst critics are those who do little themselves. Prayer is needful, too. Do you attend prayer meetings, and pray for Christians collectively and individually? Do you pray for the salvation of the lost?

Our share of the work

Each one of us should do our share of the work of the church. There is the matter of Bible School ; can we help there? Then there are the tasks of cleaning the building, helping to serve the Lord's Supper⁵, personal work, visiting the sick and many other special needs of the body of Christ. Do we ever invite folks to our services? Perhaps we could conduct home Bible studies⁶; and then there is the work of just helping our neighbor when possible. If we are not gifted for speaking in public or teaching in Bible School , we can at least be present when the saints meet and offer encouragement as the good Word of God goes out.

Our share in giving

Another important matter is that we all do our share of the giving. For the most part, the Lord's people are quite generous. For the most part, needs of the church are usually met, for which the Lord is to be praised. But surely we can all do better. Some congregations could be more presentable and do a greater work for the Lord, if only there was more generosity on the part of some. Perhaps there could be more pioneer work done in spreading the Gospel if additional funds were forthcoming. Here is a word for you; "The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself" (Prov. 11:25).

Footnotes:

¹ For more information on the Son of God, see God the Son in A Religion Library section of StudyJesus.com.

² For more information on salvation, see God’s Salvation in A Religion Library section of StudyJesus.com.

³ For more information on the Bible, see God’s Word in A Religion Library section of StudyJesus.com.

⁴ For more information on the church of our Lord, see God’s Church in A Religion Library section of StudyJesus.com.

⁵ For more information on the Lord’s Supper, see Remembering Jesus in Additional Resources section of StudyJesus.com.

⁶ For more information on home Bible studies, see Small Group Bible Study in Additional Resources section of StudyJesus.com.