“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 NKJV
As believers in a fallen world, there is almost a certainty that we will be up against difficult times or not-so-pleasant seasons. These difficulties could be financial, career, family or spiritual (for example, a drop in devotional fervour).
In all the circumstances mentioned above, imagine if you were to offer or were offered assistance? How will it feel having someone pray with you, become your accountability partner, offer financial assistance, pick up your bills, or connect you with a good job? You will be glad!
What does it really mean to bear the burden of others? It simply means to take away or carry off the weight someone else is experiencing. In essence, you are bringing some form of relief and comfort to someone else’s challenging situation.
Our anchor text places a charge on us as believers to always be on the lookout for opportunities to bear the burdens of others, especially fellow believers. The reality is that sometimes these burdens may not be readily visible but may be discerned or discovered through close and intentional observation.
The second part of our anchor text tells us why we ought to bear the burdens. It says “and so fulfil the law of Christ.” This means that even Jesus approved of this responsibility.
In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus said:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments”
From the above text, we understand just like Paul charged earlier, that by bearing the burdens of others we are primarily showing love for God which propels us to love our neighbours.
From today, let the desire to bear the burdens of others well up in you. Look out for situations to show and extend love. Let your heart be filled with generosity. There are school fees, hospital bills and other financial burdens to be settled. Pray and intercede for others, help in their spiritual growth, become someone’s accountability partner. (Deuteronomy 15:7-10, Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32-35, Hebrews 13:16)
Jesus bore the ultimate burden; He took the weight off everything that comes with the burden of sin. What a sacrifice! So when He commands us to love our neighbours, it is because we are following His example. We may not be able to bear the burden of sin, but by His example, we can bear the many weights people are experiencing.
Be intentional about the burdens of others and do something about it!
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 6:43-49, Philippians 4:8-13, Psalm 121, 2 Kings 22-23