Galatians 6:2 and 5  In verse 2 Paul writes that we should " Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ".. but in verse 5 he writes, "For each one shall bear his own load."  We were discussing this passage at our Bible study in church last night... and we wondered at this, so since this is on my mind I thought I'd share what I have learned.

In verse 2 the word "burdens"  is a Greek word that is defined as a "heaviness, weight, burden, or trouble."  There is a notion of "going down".  This is the word used in Matthew 20:12 where Jesus speaks of the work done by the hired men.. they bore the "burden and heat of the day."   In Acts 15:28 the apostles used this word to speak of the essential requirements that would be placed on the Gentile believers.. " It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden".  One more example is found in 2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worth for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."  ( Oh how much better it will be to go down under the weight of glory than any weight we carry in this world!" 

In verse 5 "burden" is a different Greek word that also means a load.. but with the idea of the "freight or lading of a ship"; part of the freight.. or a task or service;  This is the word used in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus tells us that His "burden is light".  It is also used in Matthew 23:4 where Jesus says that the religious leaders "bind heavy burdens.. on men shoulders.. " 

One commentary says this about verse 2: "Spiritually mature Christians should help to restore the one caught in sin with gentleness and humility. this is one of the ways those in Christ can help to carry each other's burdens. When the load one of us is hauling around becomes too heavy, others should step in to help that person get through that season. In other words, life in Christ by the power of God's Spirit is not meant to be lived alone. Having said that, Paul encourages Christians to take careful stock of the work they do in the Spirit without comparing themselves to each other. We should be honest with ourselves and take full responsibility to do what is ours to do in following Christ." 

As Christians, Paul wrote in Galatians 5:25, " If we live by the Spirit, let us walk also by the Spirit." The Spirit is also called  the "Comforter" the Parakletos ( John 16) - the one who comes along side, called to another's aid; an intercessor, consoler, or advocate.  As we walk by the Spirit, we come along side those who are so burdened that they are "going down".  The weight is too heavy for them to bear.. whether it is the burden of guilt or the burden of sorrow.. or the burden placed on them by the will of man.. expectations of righteousness or holiness that are far too much to bear.. which happened often in Paul's days.. as the Judaizers demanded the believers follow the Law.  In love and gentleness, we come alongside to help our brothers and sisters in Christ to find the truth of Jesus's words in Matthew 11 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. for My yoke is easy and My load is light." (v28-30)

Father in heaven, may we walk in Your paths and follow Your ways.. may we live by the power of Your Spirit, walking in the ways of Your Spirit.  Help us to pay attention.. to those who are burdened with loads of care.. and to come alongside them.. to comfort, console, advocate and help.  May we also be honest with our selves.. may we take responsibility for our "burdens".. to obey Your Word; to walk in Your power; to live according to Your purposes.  And when we become weary and heavy-laden.. may we come to You for rest and may we receive the love and encouragement from our fellow Christians who  come alongside us too.  Thank You for this word today, Lord Jesus. Flow through us Spirit of God, that the Name of our Lord be glorified in us today. amen.