Bearing One – Another’s Burdens. Galatians 6:2-5.
Dear People Belonging to God,
In our previous passage, we started on the issue of helping those who struggle. At times people face trials that are not necessarily an outcome of sin. They may arise from sickness, bereavement, persecution, and many other causes.
Sharing Burdens (v. 2). Someone has said that a burden shared is a burden halved. Such burdens may be social, psychological, or material. No Christian should be alone in a trial. When we are supportive of one another, we fulfill the law of Christ, “that you love one another; as I have loved you…” (John 13:34).
Seeking Balance (vv. 3-4). Part of the reason we should care for one another is that we each have our areas of weakness and strength. Pride is thinking oneself to be what one is not. This self-deception is dangerous and can cause grief. We can see in another what we desire to be and make ourselves believe that we are like that. Of course, when the challenge comes, we will fail miserably. But equally vain is false humility. It does not deny gifts and abilities we have, in the name of modesty. We should instead examine our work and achievements with sobriety, using the same standard we use on others so that we can genuinely rejoice in what God has enabled us to accomplish.
Shouldering Blame (v. 5). While it goes without saying that we should bear one another burdens, it also stands to reason that we should expect to carry our share of the load. This could mean simply that there should be equity in the distribution of responsibilities, or more likely, that each person will face the cost of the wrongs one has done. In the support we give to each other as believers, no one should expect another to bear the responsibility for his actions. Carry your own load. It the only fairway.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.