by Calven Celliers
“2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2NIV)
Most Bible scholars understand the law of Christ to be what Christ stated were the greatest commandments – “30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 30 & 31NIV)
Love God and love people, that’s the law of Christ. And what better way to express our love for both than to carry each other’s burdens? There’s a reason why Jesus said the second greatest commandment is like the first: if we love God with all our heart, we will love our neighbour as ourselves It functions like faith and works; if we truly have the first, the second naturally follows.
“If we love God most, we will love others best.” (Jon Bloom)
One of the beautiful things about being a Christian is that you are not alone. God intentionally connects you with other believers and one of the reasons is so we can strengthen and encourage each other when life threatens to overwhelm. It’s during those times that we can carry each other’s burdens by coming alongside a struggling brother or sister and helping them shoulder the weight of a trial or temptation that threatens to pull them under. I probably don’t need to tell you that the added strength and encouragement of others is often the difference between pressing on and giving up when the going gets tough.
No one should ever go through situations alone. The bottom line is we need each other. For every one of us there will come a point where you are overwhelmed by the weight of life. In those moments you will be grateful that there is someone there to help you carry that weight. This is one of the responsibilities of the body of Christ.
In our efforts to do good, we must not overlook the priority the apostle Paul sets in Galatians 6:10 – “ 10 Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (Galatians 6:10TheMessage)
The call to believers is to take advantage of every opportunity to do good and be helpful to all people, but especially to those who are of the household of faith, your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Bearing one another’s burdens is where the rubber meets the road. It is where you don’t just talk about your faith and the love you have for God’s people. It is where you show it. Remember, when you do this, you are being Jesus’ hands and feet to those who are in need of it. There are plenty of people who are carrying burdens right now who could use your help to lift that weight off them. If you know someone in that situation, then be the one to help them through it. I can say from personal experience they will be eternally grateful.
God bless you,
Calven
