Burden Bearer

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

This morning’s scripture has been coming to mind more frequently as I see so many of my brothers and sisters and friends and neighbors who need someone to come alongside them. Some are in situations through no fault of their own. When we see someone suffering or needing help with difficult circumstances, it’s very easy to lean in and lend a hand.

But some have made poor choices and are living with the consequences of sinful decisions. It’s the last group that seems to be the most difficult for us to reach out with a helping hand.

As we judge others against our own behavior, this command in Galatians 6:2 can become impossible to carry out because we are not walking in the Spirit, but rather giving in to the desires of our flesh (Galatians 5:16–18). These desires can be manifested in a faulty opinion of ourselves and become a significant obstacle to being more like Jesus and serving others as He did.

When we mistakenly perceive ourselves more righteous than others, by comparing their sins to ours, we falsely conclude we are superior and not like “those sinners”. The proud person who despises others deceives themselves, not understanding that the essence of the law is to love one another as Christ loves us. Paul describes the Savior as a humble servant and the ultimate example for us on how to love.

“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” (Philippians 2:6–7).

We also assess ourselves falsely when we think our gifts of service are inferior to others, believing we are unable to assist those who are burdened. Whether we suffer from self-doubt or self-pride, the cure is the same — a sober self-assessment.

“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” (Galatians 6:4).

Galatians 6: 4 says when we judge ourselves rightly, we may properly boast — not in our skills, but in the Lord’s empowerment to fulfill His call.

By evaluating ourselves against Scripture, we avoid viewing ourselves more highly (or lowly) than we ought (Romans 12:3–8). This kind of assessment is all about right judgment, reminding us that we all fall short and are not “holier than thou.” It also helps us recognize our strengths and the burdens we are best equipped to carry, enabling us to serve others more effectively.

To walk by or with the Spirit is to do two things: to put off the flesh and to put on a new, Spirit-filled way of life. Follow the Spirit, live under his control, and don’t walk by the flesh.
My prayer today is that all of us will take time today for self-assessment.

Do you believe you are more deserving of God’s favor than others? If so, repent of this thought. If you have doubted that the Lord can use you, repent for underestimating His power and the Spirit that lives within you. In doing so you may know how to bear the burdens of others effectively.


Credit: Ron Kelley