What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)?

Response

Galatians 6:2 states, “Support one another’s burdens, and in doing so, fulfill the teachings of Christ.” The term burden in this context signifies “a significant weight of personal and eternal importance.” It can indicate a flaw in character, a hardship, or a moral obligation. Some have pondered the interpretation of this verse in relation to Galatians 6:5, which reads, “Each person should carry their own load.” Do these verses conflict? How can we assist in carrying someone else’s burdens if we are expected to manage our own responsibilities?

The Greek term for “load” in Galatians 6:5 is phortion, which denotes an individual burden that cannot be shifted to another. Each of us has specific duties for which we are solely accountable. For instance, God has entrusted each of us with responsibilities for our families «But if anyone does not provide for their own, and especially for those of their own household, they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever. », (1 Timothy 5:8), our churches «But now God has placed each member in the body just as he wanted. », (1 Corinthians 12:18), and our personal sanctity (1 Peter 1:15-16). We cannot assume responsibility for someone else’s actions. Nevertheless, we can help carry their burdens; we can stand by a struggling brother or sister and assist in bearing the weight of a trial or temptation that threatens to overwhelm them.

The concept of supporting one another’s burdens can be illustrated by envisioning a man struggling under a heavy load of grain. He must find a way to bring this grain home to his family, but he is on the verge of collapsing under its weight. A fellow believer notices his distress and hurries to his aid, sharing a portion of the burden and thereby lessening its weight. AlthoughThough the supportive one does not bear the entire load, his assistance enables the struggling one to continue to his destination.

The church in Antioch serves as an illustration of believers carrying each other’s burdens. Acts 11:27–30 recounts how the church was informed of an upcoming famine in Judea. Even though they were not personally acquainted with those who would face this hardship, they gathered donations to send to them through traveling apostles. The Antioch church did not take on the full responsibility of providing, but their generosity eased the burden for those who would endure suffering.

Each of us is accountable to God for the talents and resources He has given us (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We cannot fault others, evade responsibility, or offer excuses for our unfaithfulness with the tasks we have been assigned—we must carry our own loads. However, there are moments when life poses a threat of being overwhelming. A spouse passes away. A child gets hurt. A job disappears or a house is destroyed by fire. As members of God’s family, we are called to assist our brothers and sisters in need (Philippians 2:3-4). When a burden suddenly becomes too heavy for one individual, we are to share each other’s burdens. The additional strength and support from others often make the difference between persevering and surrendering.

Regrettably, there are a few who isolate Galatians 6:2 and turn seeking help into a profession. They misinterpret God’s directive to bear one another’s burdens as a means to evade their own obligations and persistently burden their church communities with demands for assistance. Walking in accordance with God’s Word requires a delicate balance between selfless giving and setting responsible boundaries. Straying too far in one direction results in self-centeredness and excessive self-reliance. Conversely, veering too much in the opposite direction leads to assuming accountability for other people’s problems.

When we strive to carry our own burdens, while also being ready to help carry the burdens of others as guided by the Lord, we will achieve a harmonious balance.