Ponder: Who bears the burden?
Scripture: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ . . . For each one shall bear his own load” (Gal. 6:2, 5, NKJV).
A person bench pressing heavy weights needs a spotter; that’s a helper who makes sure the athlete doesn’t drop the bar onto his neck (ouch)! The weightlifter doesn’t usually need the spotter to bear the entire burden. Just a couple of pounds might be enough to complete the lift and get the bar placed safely onto the rack.
Who is overwhelmed in your sphere of influence? Do you see them? Will you help? A burden of sin can crush the transgressor. Paul says to restore that person in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1). His word for restore paints a picture of someone putting a dislocated joint back into place. That will involve some pain, but gentleness can decrease the discomfort. Our task isn’t to vent our anger and disgust at the erring brother or sister. Let’s kindly point them to Jesus where those who repent will find forgiveness and healing.
Issues other than sin can also produce overwhelming burdens. Immediately after writing about bearing one another’s burdens the apostle exhorted the Galatians (and by extension exhorts us) to share our material possessions with those in need. In summary he said, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). Whatever we might think about government programs to help the needy, let us realize that such programs don’t always solve the problem. God has given this responsibility first and foremost to His people.
Only Jesus could shoulder the entire load Himself. But you and I can be spotters. How about it?
Hymn: “Each Day I’ll Do A Golden Deed”
Prayer: Father, we pray that You will help us to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. In His name, Amen.
–Joe Slater
