Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Yesterday we talked about lifting a brother or sister up after they have fallen into sin. Today we will take a look at what to do once they are back on their feet. Additionally, this doesn’t only apply when sin is the issue, but is a general principle every follower of Christ should follow as we seek to obey His Law—Loving the Lord and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Burdens (baros) literally refers to a heavy weight. In the NT baros is used only figuratively meaning something pressing on one physically or emotionally. The same word was used in some Greek secular writings in a metaphorical sense to describe grief or misery. The related verb bareo is used in 2 Cor 1:8 with Paul writing, “…we were burdened (bareo) excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life,” the idea being they had become distressed with extreme sorrow—having to bear a burden too heavy for them to bear alone. And so, the picture of baros is that of being pressed down by a crushing weight.
Can you relate to that? Perhaps it’s someone that you know?
In the case of someone who has fallen into sin, it could be that you need to walk alongside them as the dominoes (consequences) continue to fall. The process could take weeks or months…or even years. You may be the only person who has not abandoned them, or you may be one of several that has chosen to come alongside to help them shoulder their burden. Simon of Cyrene had the honor of helping to carry the cross of Jesus and we should be quick to take the same posture when a brother or sister in Christ is falling under the weight of their circumstances.
Under other circumstances, we may be called upon to help shoulder the burden of a tragic loss, or some other devastating circumstance. Cancer. Divorce. A wayward child. The loss of a job or other financial struggles. Certainly, we must be willing to pray with them and for them, but what else can you do to lift that weight? Perhaps by just being with them you can ease the load…or help with some meals…or provide some babysitting…or clean their house. Asking, “What can I do to help shoulder your burden?” will show them you are present and available…like Simon of Cyrene was for Christ.
Through this whole letter Paul battled the legalists among the Galatian Christians. Here, he hit them again. Paul essentially said, “Do you want to fulfill the law? Here is your law to fulfill: Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” As Jesus came to serve rather than be served (Mt 20:28), we must continually be looking for opportunities to do the same. The moral law is important, of course, but this Law of Love is what will bear witness to a watching world more than anything else we do or say.
