Dear Church, Carry One Another’s Burdens!

 

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

The Apostle Paul is writing this letter to the Church in Galatia. He knows church life can get messy. Church is not a place for the righteous, but a hospital for sick people. It’s a community for broken sinners who desperately need the forgiveness and grace of God. Therefore, as Christians, we must carry one another’s burdens just like doctors must heal their patients. Of course, the primary physician is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the Bible says when we carry one another’s burdens, we will fulfill the law of Christ. Really? How can we fulfill the law of Christ? Remember what Jesus said: The law is summed up by these two commands: love God and love neighbor (Mark. 12:30-31). Therefore, when we love one another deeply through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives reflect the very one who fulfilled the law for us. So we ourselves can’t fulfill the law, but the Holy Spirit within us can (Eph. 2:7-9).

The Apostle Paul makes it clear it’s only Christ who perfectly obeyed the law.”Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified (Gal. 2:16).”

At first glance, it seems like a contradiction. Paul is saying we can fulfill the law by carrying one another’s burdens, but then he says by the works of the law no one will be justified. So what is he saying? I think Paul means that when we carry one another’s burdens, we reflect the “image of God.” As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40:”The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).” So when we carry one another’s burdens, we are bearing the image of the one who fulfilled the law by carrying all of our sins on the cross. Praise the Lord!

Here are a few ideas you can do to carry your neighbor’s burdens.

1. When they share your burden with you, don’t say: “I will pray for you brother.” Instead, say, “Let me pray for you right now!”
2. Write them a letter, encouraging them to continue fighting through their trials. Remind them that all things work together for their good according to Scripture.
3. Think of a way you can serve them. If they are elderly, go and rake leaves. If there are busy Moms in your congregation, start up a bible study at the church and offer free childcare.
4. Meet weekly with a brother or sister over a cup of coffee. Read a book together for accountability purposes and end in prayer.

There are many way a church can carry one another’s burdens. If you have any additional ideas, please feel free to comment below. Have a blessed day!