Bear One Another's Burden
Galatians 6:2 reads, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The dictionary defines “burden” as “something carried, often too heavy to carry easily - a load of things, work, duty, financial cares, worries, sorrows”. Certainly, the scripture calls the Christian to care for the physical needs and burdens of our fellow man and brethren. Consider, for example, the story of the “Good Samaritan” or perhaps Jesus’ description in Matthew 25: 31-44 of the final judgment where the deciding factors for eternal life versus damnation revolved around how we cared for the physical needs of others (hungry, thirsty, in prison, sick). It is easy to see that all of the examples of Christian love outlined by Jesus in this passage revolved around caring for the physical needs of another person. Consequently, I think we as Christians often find it easy to recognize those needs and, generally, try to meet those needs for both our physical and spiritual families.
However, close examination of the context of Galatians 6:2 quickly indicates that the burdens being referenced are not physical but rather spiritual. Specifically, the burden/weight/ guilt associated with some sinful act or behavior. As we look back just one verse, Galatians 6:1 begins “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Our job here is neither to condemn nor condone our brother’s/sister’s sinful behavior but in love encourage correction while being aware of our own weaknesses. The burden of sorrow and guilt that the repentant brother or sister feels when they recognize their assault to God and Jesus can be overwhelming. It is that burden that I believe Galatians 6: 2 is calling us to help bear. You will recall that one of the many things Paul criticized the Corinthian brethren for in 1 Corinthians involved “overlooking and tolerating” the sin of the brother who had a sinful relationship with his father’s wife. By 2 Corinthians we learn that the brethren had sternly heeded Paul’s admonition to discipline the brother. In fact, Paul had to correct their harshness and reluctance to accept the repentant brother back. In 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 he writes, “This punishment which has been inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.”
As I mentioned previously, we often find it easy to help bear those physical burdens of life. However, when it comes to bearing one another’s spiritual burdens we often find ourselves falling short. Perhaps part of the deficiency stems from the fact that we are reluctant to expose our spiritual burdens and struggles to others. We feel embarrassed and want to appear as though we have “everything together”. In addition, we assume “all my Christian brothers and sisters seem to be doing so much better than me in their Christian walk.” Therefore, it is often very difficult to follow the command given in James 5: 16 – “Confess your sins to one another..” Consequently, our brethren cannot bear a spiritual burden when they are unaware that one exists. Additionally, many times when we confess a sin, we do so in such a generic sense that it is difficult for others to know the best way to help. I suspect that the best burden- bearers among our Christian family are those who struggle with the same temptations. They are the ones who can relate best. I am not certain of the best and least embarrassing way to admit we need some spiritual burden help, but perhaps a less generic and more open and honest confession of our struggle might enable others, especially those of our family with similar struggles, to help us bear those burdens more effectively? It is always right to ask for help.
On the opposite side of the same coin, we, as a spiritual family, are often not good about checking on the spiritual health of our brothers and sisters. In fact, we often find it odd or uncomfortable to even discuss spiritual things with our brethren outside of a Bible class. When was the last time you asked someone, “How are you doing in your spiritual walk?” That simple question might just open the door to someone struggling with a burden and provide the opportunity to fulfill Galatians 6:2.
So how do we become better at bearing those burdens referenced in Galatians 6:2? I believe first and foremost we must become more united as a family by really getting to know one another on a much deeper level. It is part of becoming ONE, our theme for this year. Meeting for worship services three times weekly is not going to forge those bonds needed to feel at ease to discuss our spiritual struggles with one another. We must make a more concerted effort to develop closer and deeper relationships among our spiritual family. That means spending meaningful time with one another. Forging the relationships necessary to fulfill the command of Galatians 6:2 takes time, energy, and a certain amount of risk. Being a good brother or sister (friend) takes work. May God help each of us to find ways to draw closer to our spiritual family so that we can more effectively bear one another’s burdens.
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