Galatians 6:2 commands us ”Carry/Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfil/obey the law of Christ.” Fulfilling the law of Christ means to lovingly provide practical, moral, and spiritual support to others, helping them to carry difficult burdens, offering gentleness and restoration, not judgment, to those struggling with sin, sorrows, personal struggles or needing spiritual growth and encouragement.
Recently I read a lovely Christian book about the eldest brother in a family, who sacrificially did everything he could, to provide financially, spiritually and emotionally for his seven siblings after their parents died in an accident. His actions spoke volumes, not only to his family, but also to the community where he later became a stable, reliable leader for the whole area.
The Greek word for ”bear/carry” means to endure, to support, sustain, while the word for ”burden” means weight. When we consider Gal. 6:2 in context, it means we should be picking up the extra weights that others are carrying. No one should ever go through hardships alone. We have a responsibility to help and encourage others, to help carry their burdens. Even Jesus, after being whipped and beaten, had his cross carried by Simon of Cyrene.
There are many different examples in the Bible which show people bearing one another’s burdens, for example Ruth who helped to bear Naomi’s loneliness and worries and was later rewarded by Father God.
In Exodus 17:8-13 we read how the ”Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ’Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’ So, Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up – one on one side, one on the other – so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Thus, Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword”
When we help others to be ”steady,” or faithful and strong, then victory is achieved, not only for the one we are assisting, but also for us and Christ’s kingdom. There are two big reasons why we need to help, bless and encourage others.
It demonstrates our love. 1 John 3:16-18 says – ”This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”
It demonstrates our faith. James 2:15-17 states – ”Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ’Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”
Jesus Himself instructs us in Matt. 11:28 – ”Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If Jesus is willing to carry our burdens and help us, how much more we need to do likewise.
Precious Abba Father God, please help me to be alert to the needs of others, and ready and available to help or encourage others in need. Please give me Your heart of love and the readiness and the willingness to make a beautiful, sanctified difference in this dark world which is crying out for a touch from our blessed Redeemer.
Myrtle Turunen