From The Pastor’s Desk

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” ( Galatians 6:2)

At some point, all of us struggle under the weight of a difficult situation. It might be a sin we cannot overcome, a trial that just does not let up, or a need that remains unmet. However, there is no need to struggle through it alone because we have the support of fellow believers as we bear one another’s burdens.

There is an example of this in the book of Acts. Christians of the early church pooled their resources to help meet the material and financial needs of believers who were in poverty ( Acts 4:32-35). Paul also displays this concern for others’ welfare in his various letters to growing churches. He knew it was his responsibility and privilege to strengthen them even though he was repeatedly undergoing his own hardships and afflictions.

We cannot wait until life is free from problems before reaching out to others — that day may never come. Though every one of us has his or her own needs, it is important to remember we can do all things through Christ’s strength. And that includes sharing someone else’s burden. If we look around us, they are many things that come against us that we can consider to be a burden.

“Burdens” are extra heavy loads, which here represent difficulties or problems people have trouble dealing with. “Bear” means carrying something with endurance. To carry each other’s burdens includes helping needy people in times of sickness, sorrow, and financial stress. Paul may have in mind the support of missionaries and teachers, but it also includes our fellow believers. To carry another’s burden is a divine quality.

When we are willing to wade into a fellow believer’s troubles to help, that person is blessed, and we are fulfilling the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. The Christian is commanded to love, in a greater and special way, whether or not they are members of one’s own church or followers of one’s particular theological persuasion. Love for God and his will as revealed must control and direct our love for others.