Share Each Other’s Burdens

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

We all come into this world carrying a burden. We are born with the burden of a sin nature. Yet, even before you and I were born, God sent His Son into the world to carry the burden of our sins. On the cross, Jesus took on sin and then rose to life, so we’ll never have to carry that burden into God’s court. This freedom is ours to enjoy the moment we choose to follow Christ.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he tells the believers to share each other’s burdens. Paul is not talking about the sin burden that Jesus paid the price for, but rather the emotional, physical, and spiritual burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we consider the great price that Jesus paid to carry our burden, it seems a small thing to ask that we share the burdens of those around us. So, in what practical ways can we carry each other’s burdens?

We can carry emotional burdens by encouraging others, by offering moral support, or by just being there for someone who is going through a difficult time. We can carry physical burdens by assisting those who need physical help. Maybe do some shopping for someone with mobility issues or offer to mow the grass for those who are sick or elderly in your community. We can pray for the sick and carry spiritual burdens by praying for those who have lost their way or don’t know the incredible love of Christ.

Whatever you do, ask God to use you to bear the burdens of others. In doing so, Paul says, you are obeying the law of Christ.