Share One Another's Burdens

By Tammy Long

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NLT).

In recent years, I’ve found myself traveling a lot—at least for me. One positive thing about that is I’ve become fairly adept at packing lighter using my bright red carry-on suitcase and silver backpack. The backpack, though, is still a bit much; with my laptop, journal, and books I hope to read on the plane, it’s heavy!

I’ve learned to manage by shifting it from shoulder to shoulder, letting it ride on my carry-on, and gratefully setting it down with a thud whenever I sit. I’d gotten so used to carrying it that I didn’t realize just how much of a burden it was until a recent trip with my husband. He had checked his luggage, so as we made our way to the gate, he offered to carry my backpack. The relief was immediate and my energy renewed. Simply having someone help carry the weight made the journey so much easier!

This is a small glimpse of Paul’s encouragement in Galatians 6:2. In the previous verses, Paul urges believers to live by and keep in step with the Spirit. So sharing one another’s burdens is not merely being “helpful.” It’s a Spirit-empowered expression of love, patience, kindness, and gentleness, just like all the “one anothers.”

Paul encouraged mature believers to come alongside sisters or brothers caught in sin and to share that burden, moving toward restoration, handled gently, humbly, and with care, and avoiding both pride and falling into the same temptation.

Paul then expands this truth into a kingdom principle. We are to share one another’s burdens, thus fulfilling Christ’s command to love one another. Burdens can be emotional, financial, physical, or relational—anything too heavy for one person to carry alone. In short, to share someone’s burden is to put love into action.

Further, as a “one another” command, we are mutual burden-sharers. That means we are to step in when the weight is overwhelming for someone, and we must be willing to let someone step in for us too. Self-centeredness and pride can keep us from both. We may want to avoid the messiness of someone else’s struggle, or we may refuse help we need because we want to look strong. But Paul was clear. Jesus followers are to share one another’s burdens with the love of Christ in the power of the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

• Whose burden is God inviting you to share?
• Who has God placed in your life to help carry your burdens?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the people you have placed in my life. Help me to be willing to step in and share what may be too heavy for them alone. Give me grace to receive the help I need to carry my burdens with gratitude. Amen.