Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NKJV
In Galatians 6:2, believers are called to carry and support one another’s burdens. To “bear” means to carry, support, or care for, emphasising the importance of helping each other through life’s difficulties and challenges.
Burdens can take many forms—physical, emotional, spiritual, or material. However, by sharing these burdens, Christians demonstrate Christ’s love. Jesus commanded us to love one another, as stated in John 13:34-35 (KJV): “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.” Bearing each other’s burdens is a practical outworking of this love, showing the world the mark of true discipleship.
Consider the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. Jesus tells the parable of a man attacked by robbers and left half dead. A priest and a Levite pass by without helping, but a Samaritan stops, tends to the man’s wounds, and takes him to an inn for further care. The Samaritan, however, bears the physical and financial burdens of the injured man. Thereby, he demonstrates compassion and mercy. This parable illustrates the call to bear one another’s burdens, irrespective of social or ethnic differences, just as Christ loved and died for all.
In Romans 15:1-2 (KJV), the Bible encourages those who are strong to bear the infirmities of the weak. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” It emphasises the responsibility of those who are strong in faith, resources, or ability to support those who are weak. Meanwhile, it is important to note that you don’t necessarily need to have it all before you can help others. By living a selfless life and building up others in love, Christ is glorified.
Are you a burden bearer? Reflect on those who have borne your burdens and taken your struggles upon their shoulders. Can you thank God for them and practice the same?
In conclusion, bearing one another’s burdens involves practical acts of love, support, and sacrifice. It is a daily demonstration of Christ’s love. So, by supporting each other, we fulfil the law of Christ and show the world what it means to be His true disciples. Embrace the call to bear one another’s burdens. Through these acts of love and support, we truly live out the teachings of Christ and reveal His love to the world.
