“Like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver Is a word spoken at the proper time” Proverbs 25v11
In the book of Galatians 6v2 we read: “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load”. This seems like a contradiction – on the one hand we are told to carry each other’s burden, but then we are told they must carry their own load. The explanation is that Burden and Load are different. A burden is some hardship or distress that comes from outside and is common to all humanity whether they are good or bad, believers or unbelievers. A load on the other hand is something Christians have voluntarily decided to carry to further the Kingdom of God and glorify Jesus Christ.
This week I want to focus on what it means to carry each other’s burdens. These burdens could be grief caused by the death of loved ones, ill health, relationship turmoil, loneliness or financial loss. There is always a temptation to leave this task to paid counsellors, social-workers and pastors, but we are all called to walk alongside, comfort, encourage, pray and share relevant Scripture with those who have hurt and pain however time consuming, emotionally draining and inconvenient this might be. If we don’t have a desire to carry each other’s burdens, our faith is a sham because evidence of a living relationship with Jesus Christ, is how much we love and care for those who are being crushed by circumstances. If we are bearing one another’s burdens, we will be fulfilling the law of Christ which is to love one another as I have loved you.
Next week we will consider what it means to carry our own load.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood