by Chris Steele

March 2, 2008

Several times in Galatians 6 Paul used the word “bear.” Two of those times He wrote; “Bear ye one another’s burdens,” and “Every man shall bear his own burden” (6:2, 5). How do we harmonize these two thoughts?

Life here on earth brings all kinds of obstacles and burdens that are almost too much for us to bear. How sad to read, “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). When we reach this point of despair, it’s good to remember, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deut. 31:6).

Even though we all face problems of various sorts, we must not let our own burdens blind us to the needs of others. As Christians we need to be ready to help lift the load that is too heavy for someone else. Remembering how much God cares for us, will help motivate us to “bear” the burdens others have. This is why Paul said, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Then he follows with, “Bear ye one another's burdens…” (Gal. 6:1, 2).

In Paul's second admonition he wrote, “Every man shall bear his own burden” (6:5). There is no contradiction when we understand that each one of us has responsibilities that no one else can carry for us. The first word translated “burden” is not the same as the second. The original Greek of verse 5 describes the soldier’s pack; a load that each Christian (soldier) has the responsibility to carry for himself. In contrast to the times when we need help from others, there are many times when we must do it by ourselves, alone. Who can use my talents for me? When does someone else bear my load of the work when they have their own to do? Jesus illustrated this point with his parable of the talents and of the ten virgins. We all will stand before the judgment and give account of what we, ourselves have done (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12-15).