Our Burden To Bear
Have you ever been in dire situations, only to find someone reaching out a helping hand?
Broken down cars, home repairs, financial struggles, you name it, life throws so much at us! And that just speaks of the some of the physical worries we have as people. What about the damaged relationships, failed expectations, parental shortcomings, etc. A complete physical, mental, and emotional wear on the soul.
But I am reminded often of one of my favorite scriptures, Galatians 6:2
2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.[1]
Galatians 6:2 CSB
Such a simple yet impactful verse. We are to take care of one another. The Law of Christ serves to show us how we are to live. What is the law of Christ? The gospel message! We learn to live within the new law, the law of Christ but reading and following Christ’ example. And that example is carrying the burdens of others! Consider John 15:12:
12 “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.[2]
John 15:12 CSB
Love one another. Jesus loved us to the point of laying down his life for us. This is a weighty example of what “carrying each other’s burdens” means. It means being will put the needs of others above your own, and all in for the sake of the betterment of the other person. It’s a real agape love as prescribed by God.
We have been studying James with our youth group. Consider this last example from James 1:27:
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.[3]
James 1:27 CSB
When we consider carrying the burdens of others, consider those who are less fortunate. Take care of look after those in struggle. And while you do so, keep your eyes on Jesus.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life…”
[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206%3A2&version=CSB
[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=CSB
[3] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201%3A27&version=CSB