“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). 

We are conditioned today to be individualistic. We tend to learn early on not to rely on others, and perhaps not even to trust others very much. We also learn, truly, that relying on others can lead to severe disappointments and hurt. This is why we each need to develop a strong, independent faith in our Lord so that, even if we find ourselves without much support from others, we can stay true to Him and count on His promises. 

Even though we do ultimately stand before God as individuals (2 Cor 5:10), and though we are to test our own work and are responsible for our own faithfulness (cf. Gal 6:4-5), we still need to pay attention to passages that tell us to help one another. We have to answer as individuals, but individual responsibility includes helping others in their struggles. 

God has provided for a community of believers to band together. There are works He has given us collectively, but one of the reasons for making us a community is so that we can encourage, strengthen, and help bear burdens. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…” (Heb 10:24). This is one reason we meet together, but this attitude and care needs to extend beyond the meeting times and walls of a meeting facility. 

Commenting on Galatians 6:2, F.F. Bruce wrote, “To bear the burdens of others is a divine quality.”(1) God needs no one to survive, “as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:25). Yet, with His greatness, power, and glory, God reaches down to help. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” This is echoed by Peter: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet 5:6-7). 

The ultimate example of God bearing the burdens of others is found in Jesus going to the cross: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Pet 2:24-25). Christ showed the greatest humility and love, not doing anything from selfish ambition, but considered others before Himself, emptying Himself to die for us (Phil 2:3-8). 

If Jesus, God in the flesh, could empty self and bear the burdens of others, then we need to be willing to do the same. Paul used Jesus as the example here, the One whose mind we are to imbibe: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This is the mind of Christ. 

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone” (1 Thess 5:14-15). This theme of “one another” is found throughout the New Testament, and seeking the benefit and encouragement of others is Christ-like. It is one of the major reasons God gave us one another. “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1 John 3:16). 

Brothers and sisters, people are hurting and struggling whether it be from sin or other matters beyond their control. We are talking about people with whom we associate spiritually, with whom we work in the Lord, and with whom we worship weekly. What kind of culture are we fostering among us? Is it a culture that makes it difficult to share burdens, to confess sins, to seek help when struggling and doubting? Or are we developing a culture that helps to provide comfort and encouragements for the weak and fainthearted? 

When those among Israel fretted over sins and worried for their future, God promised that He would come to save them and judge their enemies. They were told: 

“Strengthen the weak hands,

and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who have an anxious heart,

‘Be strong; fear not!’” (Isa 35:3-4)

How much more, in Christ, may we strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees? Are we saying to one another, “Be strong; fear not!”? Who can you encourage and strengthen today? Are we going to be the ones to whom others can come for strength? Will we be the ones who bear the burdens of others? Will we be followers of our Lord in seeking the interests of others first? 

• 1. Bruce, F.F. The Epistle to the Galatians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1982. 

Doy Moyer