Burden-Bearers

GALATIANS 6:1-10

Recently, my sister and brother-in-law agreed to watch our four kids, so Lydia and I could sneak away for a much-needed date night. It was a Sunday evening, and like many of you, we were in the middle of another busy season. So, after dropping off the kids, our night began with a quiet dinner for two at a restaurant we’d never visited. The fried pickles, juicy cheeseburgers and french fries definitely hit the spot, but that brief moment of uninterrupted conversation with my best friend was exactly what I needed. After dinner and a quick picture (which is also rare with four kids), we hopped in our minivan and sped off to the Rend Collective concert downtown. Rend Collective has been one of our favorite worship bands for years. Their music has been our anthem through seasons of anxiety, pain and loss, and as Lydia and I worshiped that night, we felt God restoring our souls by His amazing grace.  

Looking back on that weekend, I now see how God was not only restoring us, He was also preparing us. The very next day, we were met with hardship. And now, we are faced with the uncertainty of a rapidly spreading virus. 

Here’s what I know to be true about hard seasons in life: When fear and anxiety increase, our tendency is to retreat into self-centeredness. And let’s be honest, there are plenty of reasons to be fearful and anxious today. But God calls his children to something greater. Instead of retreating into selfishness, He calls us to advance with selfless love toward those around us. 

My sister’s family served us by simply watching our kids, and God used a few hours of quality time together in immeasurable ways. 

Bear One Another’s Burdens

In his letter to the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul says it this way, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” 

(Gal. 6:2)

What does it mean to bear burdens? It means to help carry a load or to assist in lifting something heavy. If you’ve ever moved to a new home, you know the blessing of people showing up to help carry boxes, appliances, or my personal favorite, couches up to third floor apartments. 

As believers, we are commanded to bear one another’s burdens. With the Holy Spirit’s help, followers of Jesus are called to live a life characterized by love. We are to “keep in step with the Spirit,” (Gal. 5:25) and therefore produce the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22) 

We bear one another’s burdens, and when we do, Paul says that we effectively fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2) In other words, “To bear one another’s burdens is the supreme imitation of Jesus, the ultimate burden-bearer. He has even gone to the length of taking mankind’s sins and the curse of the law upon himself.” What is the law of Christ? It’s simple. Love God, and love others. (Mt. 22:37-40; Jn. 13:34) 

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus, the ultimate burden-bearer, says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus is our perfect example. To follow his lead involves bearing one another’s burdens.  

Don’t Grow Weary of Doing Good  

After calling us to bear one another’s burdens, Paul goes on to challenge us to not grow weary of doing good. (Gal. 6:9) Why? Because bearing the burdens of other people can be draining, which is why it’s so important to stay filled through genuine friendship with Jesus Christ. We’re also challenged to not grow weary, because God’s Word promises that in due season we WILL reap, if we do not give up! At this point, Paul’s logic is pleasantly straight forward. 

If you plant sinful seeds (flesh), then you will harvest corruption. 

If you plant godly seeds (Spirit), then you will harvest eternal life.  

Our experience in life will include many trials but remember “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Cor. 4:17) And most powerfully, we serve a Risen Savior who has overcome the world. (Jn. 16:33) So, don’t give up. Keep bearing burdens and doing good!

Opportunities Abound   

In this time of chaos, Paul’s conclusion should resound in our ears. He says, “As we have opportunity, (and we have many opportunities right now – both with those inside and outside of our homes) let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10) As believers, we set our hope on eternity being spent with Jesus in heaven, but as we wait, we focus on doing good for God’s glory.  

We are told to be good to everyone, but then Paul clarifies his point. Our primary focus should be serving our church family, while never excluding those in the world. Therefore, we begin with bearing one another’s burdens, and also seeking to meet the needs of our co-workers, schools, and communities.  

Practical Challenges 

How can this passage change our hearts, as we process the trials in our lives? I’ll offer three practical challenges. 

First, I challenge you to be aware of the needs of others. Make the call. Send the message. Reach out. The first step in bearing one another’s burdens is knowing what burdens people are carrying. Be selfless and reach out today. 

Second, I challenge you to find creative ways to meet practical needs. Our government is asking people to remain “socially distant” at this time. But social distancing doesn’t eliminate our ability to bless people in need. We live in the digital age, so seek to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs from a distance.  

Third, I challenge you to set an encouragement goal each day. How many people are you going to encourage? Pray for someone and let them know. Send a handwritten note. Share what God is teaching you through social media. The options are endless, but the goal is the same. Encourage! 

So, how will you bear someone’s burden today? As believers, we have an incredible opportunity to be a non-anxious presence in a world of anxiety. We can choose joy in a culture of depression. We can stand confident in a country consumed with fear. Why? Because our hope is not in this world. Our forever hope is in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.