Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
This is one of those verses that I've heard for a long time, all throughout my life, in and around the church. Bearing one another's burdens is something that the Christian community can count on. The fact that brothers and sisters who are united and oriented in their lives toward Jesus have the reliability of this community being there for them in so many ways. It comes into play from simple things like when you need to move and you need help packing boxes all the way down to financial challenges and knowing that there's someone there that can enter into those conversations with you.
Bearing One Another's Burdens Lightens the Load
Bearing one another's burdens is a beautiful gift when it's working in rhythm. It's a simple idea. You can carry something heavier when everybody takes a little part. I think about that same moving idea—somebody grabbing the other side of the table, instead of you trying to pick it up on your own. Bearing one another's burdens lightens the load.
The Context of Galatians 6
It's interesting because I love that idea for what it is, and it's exactly what is true about the Christian community. The thing that's powerful about this verse is the context in which it's found. It's actually a little sandwich, if you will, because the sandwich that this verse is in the middle of is really tasty when you can see it for what it is, because it actually extends beyond just getting help when you're going through a hard time.
To bear one another's burdens in the context of Galatians chapter 6 is the idea that someone who has gone through a situation in which their sin has been revealed, they've been found out in a time where maybe they haven't made a choice that is honoring to God. Galatians chapter 6, verse 1 talks about how when there is this kind of situation and this sinful thing has happened, those who are mature in Christ will come alongside and help to lead that person to restoration.
The Weight of Restoration
That is how you bear the burden. You see, that kind of burden is a little bit different than just helping someone move. That's the kind of burden that feels like guilt and shame and heaviness because of the things that you've realized that you've done against the way of Jesus. What this invitation from Paul really represents is for those who are spiritual, those who are a part of the Christian fellowship to help pick up the other end of the table when it comes to carrying the weight of restoration, the weight of healing and newness of life in a situation where maybe somebody needs to be restored after making a terrible decision.
The reason I call this a little sandwich is that's the top part. If the bun on the top is the fact that you will help to restore someone who's been in a hard season, maybe the bottom bread is something that is important to remember as well. It says in verse 3: "For anyone who thinks he's something when he is nothing deceives himself."
We're No Better Than Anyone Else
In other words, part of how we can bear one another's burdens is we remember we're no better than anyone else, and if it weren't for the grace of God, we ourselves would be in a bad way. When it tells us to bear one another's burdens, we're actually invited into helping to carry something that is more than our human ability can handle, because it's only through God's graciousness and kindness that we receive the forgiveness that we need in our lives for things that we've done.
When we get to extend the grace that we ourselves have received from God, we become a true part of Christian community. Today, as you go into your day, think about what it means to bear the burdens of your brothers and sisters in Christ.
