Bearing Burdens

For a long time, I puzzled over the meaning of two Bible verses found in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ . . . For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Galatians 2:2, 5 KJV) What could Paul mean by these two seemingly opposite commands?

Then one day I saw a sketch that illuminated the passage for me. A line of travelers—men, women and even children—moved along a pathway. Each carried a “burden”: a big bundle under her arm, a large bag slung over his shoulder, a heavy jug held steady on her back by a long head-strap, a pack on his small shoulders, a bundle balanced on her tiny head.

Each person was carrying their own load, suited to their ability. At the same time, each leaned forward with one or both hands to help lift the burden of the person just ahead in the line. No one failed to take responsibility for himself/herself, but no one neglected the obligation to aid another. Everyone obeyed the command to bear one another’s burdens, and likewise the command to bear his/her own.

Jesus spoke of this same balance when He told us, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The love that does good to others is not meant to exclude oneself. Taking care of oneself is not freedom to eliminate reaching out to others. What a demonstration of Christian community if we can lovingly practice this way of bearing burdens!

MaryMartha
(All rights reserved)

The sketch I describe above is from an old yellowed copy I have of “Good News for Modern Man, the New Testament in Today’s English Version.” Days Inn invited me, years ago, to “take it with [me] for spiritual uplift.” I did, and it has.

Email: mrymrtha@gmail.com