Galatians 6:2

NASB	NLT	VOICE
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.	2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.	2 Shoulder each other’s burdens, and then you will live as the law of the Anointed teaches us.

Lovingly Carrying Others Burdens

In the context of the early church, believers often faced persecution and hardship. It was essential for the community to come together in support at this time. The Greek word for burdens implies a heavy load or difficulties that are too challenging to bear alone. This comes from the Old Testament where community and mutual aid were key for survival. Jesus reflects these teachings through his love and service to each other – to love your neighbor as yourself. Doing this is a way to live our faith through what we can do. The “law of Christ” overtakes the Mosaic law, focusing on the Spirit rather than the letter. The law of Christ is about grace and love. It’s not about legalistic obedience, but about embodying the love and sacrifice of Jesus. It calls us to reflect Jesus’ selflessness and compassion to the world. 

The Work Needed to Carry those Burdens for Others

Carrying one another’s burdens shows a true supportive Christian community where we can actively help and support each other. It can be hard to do this in the church today. Society has taught us to keep our hurts, hangups, and secrets quiet – to not taint the world with anything that’s not positive. We can get uncomfortable talking about someone’s struggle or addiction because of the discomfort and stigma surrounding the topic. We need to stop the silence. The church is a hospital for the sick and the broken. It’s not a place of judgment, and the freedom to express what we’re truly struggling with should be present. It can be easy to spot when you walk into a church whether that’s possible or not. Walk into a neighboring church (not your church) and see how you are welcomed. Is it a fake, positive energy, or is it a genuine connection? Is it a standard generic welcome, or is it someone taking the time to get to know you? These things are important to the life of the church. Not just on Sunday morning, but through all events your church has. Whether it’s Sunday’s Sermon, Wednesday’s Small Groups, or something in between – the Spirit needs to be present to allow the emotions, energies, and auras to vibe through each other without judgment. To break the chains that have held us down for far too long. Check in with yourself. Check in with your church. Are you ready to bear the burdens for anyone that walks in the door?

Reflection Questions

1. What is a “burden” in your life, based on the definition I mentioned earlier? 
2. Have you ever been carried by someone(s) before through a struggle? How did that go? What did you learn from that experience? 
3. How can you carry the burdens for someone in your community? List 3 ways this can happen. 

Call to Action

Read 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. Thank God for being there through your burdens and having a community to surround yourself with. (If not, I’m truly sorry that this hasn’t happened for you. I pray that your community will be found and revealed soon.) Ask God how you can be his hands and feet for those around you and help manage their burdens. 

Check out the next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #291