Galatians 6

Galatians 6

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

“I don’t want to be a burden.” “I feel like I am just too much.” “If I ask for help, I will just burden others.”

Have you ever thought any of these thoughts? I think we all have! Deep down behind that “being a burden thought” is the scary conclusion: “People don’t like burdens! They will leave if I am a burden! And, if people leave, then I will truly be all alone!” These thoughts immobilize us with fears that produce distance and isolation.

Lately I have been thinking more about this notion of being a burden. What is a burden to begin with? A good definition might be “anything one has to bear or put up with; a heavy load; as of work, duty, responsibility, sorrow, etc.” (Webster’s dictionary). We all have our burdens, and depending on the duration and “weight,” they can sometimes become more than we can truly handle by ourselves. We get tired, overwhelmed, even desperate.

So, what should we do with those things that are weighty and burdensome? Jesus instructs us to, first, turn to Him. “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…” – Matthew 11:28. He wants us to tell him about our burdens, give him the emotional weight of our burdens, and ask him for help and direction regarding our burdens. And secondly, He wants us to share our burdens with others. This is a command! (See the verse above!) Will we humbly admit our needs and seek help?

In actuality, carrying each other’s burdens is a blessing- allowing people the opportunity to love more deeply- to lay aside their time, energy, attentions, and abilities to serve and bless others. And that is a GOOD THING, because that is becoming like the Lord Jesus who laid aside his privileges “taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).

Just as weight lifting builds muscle mass and bone density, lovingly carrying the burdens of others builds deeper Christ-like character and fulfills his law of love.

Let’s be ones who are learning to humbly admit when we truly need some burden lifting, and also to be ones who are quick to help share the load!