Bearing Burdens

Carry each other's burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.    Galatians 6:2

Carrying the burdens of each other is to suffer in the problems of fellow disciples.  This taking burdens onto yourself is how you will fulfill the law of Christ—the law, command; not merely doing something nice when convenient.  What is the “law” of Christ?  It is, as Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34; see also, 13:25, 15:12, 17).

How do we bear another’s burdens?  It is tough, as “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me’” (Matt 16:24 NLT).  Selfish ways, all variations of pride, is an expectancy of Christ followers.  However, Christ followers are to “take up your cross.”  What does that mean in your life?  It is to have an attitude like Christ, who humbly went to the cross (Phil 2:4-8).  Jesus carried or “took up his cross” (John 19:14), and by doing so, Jesus was the atonement for our sin (Rom 3:25, Heb 2:17)—He carried our burdens, which are our sins, by the strength of His mercy and grace. 

Jesus took our burdens, took our sins, and fulfilled them by his command, the Law of Christ.  Only by grace that comes out of love can there be the atonement, and yes, the forgiving of sin.  When we bear the burden, carry the sin of each other as Christ—sincerely forgive—we fulfill Christ’s law.  All sin against us, perceived or inflicted, by someone toward us must be forgiven—only then can a burden be carried, carried away from the offender and the offended alike.  When we forgive offences, hate, abuses, harmful words, or many difficult burdens, it is not easy, but nonetheless the “law of Christ.”  Love forgives.

If you are selfish and cannot forgive, but only seek vengeance, or selfishly desire to an atonement, compensation, penance, by an offender, then you are not a follower who is obedient to the Law of Christ—a true disciple of Christ will obey His command.  What did Jesus command?  For you to, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). And, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

to God’s glory,

Owen <><