Paul emphasized in his letter to the Galatians the importance of supporting one another to fulfil the teachings of our Lord. This raises the question of whether it is necessary for us to assist others, or if we have the capability to bear the burdens of others. Additionally, considering that Jesus has already shouldered the burdens of all individuals through His sacrifice on the cross, is it appropriate for us to do so as well? Jesus instructed His followers to carry their own crosses and walk in His footsteps, reinforcing this notion by remarking that each day presents enough challenges of its own. Given these teachings, what exactly does it mean to carry one another’s burden?
Do Not Compare
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:2-5 (NIV)
Paul’s instruction to bear the burdens of others is paired with a warning against the conceited comparison of one’s own merit to that of others. The prophet Isaiah grasped his own state only upon encountering the presence of God. Believers can fall into the trap of inflating their self-worth by comparing themselves to others. When it comes to our spirit, excessive showcase of our worthiness in comparison to others will only lead to its degradation.
It is crucial to practice the love of God and place our trust solely in Him, even when there are no onlookers or well-wishers. Unwittingly, we may have adopted a spiritual path aimed at garnering admiration from fellow believers, but when there are no admirers, our spiritual life falters, and we grow cold.
This is why the scriptures instruct us to practice our faith in God privately, rather than publicly, as it will enable us to discover our true state. This will aid in deepening our relationship with God. If we genuinely wish to help others, we must learn to carry our own burdens first, and only then can we be of assistance to others. Airlines advise their passengers to secure their own oxygen masks before assisting others. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we must persevere if we truly desire to lead others to Jesus.
Do It In Public
While God calls us to cultivate a personal relationship in solitude, the scriptures urge us to publicly acknowledge our transgressions. Confessing our sins to God in private is a straightforward task. However, exposing our hidden actions to the public can be a deeply humbling experience for many. Our inclination to keep our transgressions secret stems from shame and guilt. Yet, when we contemplate the public sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross to deliver us from eternal damnation, it becomes evident that we should also openly confess our wrongdoings.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (NIV)
We attain righteousness through the righteousness of Jesus, and our prayers possess great power and efficacy. This can only be accomplished once we wholeheartedly commit to eliminating our sinful behaviour. When we resolve to relinquish our sins, acknowledging the agony that Jesus endured on the cross due to our transgressions, we lay claim to the forgiveness offered to all humanity two millennia ago. This assurance of absolution empowers us to openly confess our sins to one another, free from humiliation and filled with exultation.
Carrying The Cross
When we learn to carry our own burdens, Jesus summons us to walk in His footsteps. He offers to trade them for His own, which He made lighter at Calvary. Jesus assures us that it is effortless and uncomplicated to gain wisdom from Him. He bore our sins and infirmities and sacrificed His life as a ransom for our redemption. Unchanging from the past through the present to the future, He is always prepared to shoulder our burdens if we entrust them to Him.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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 will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
While we entrust our burdens to Jesus, it is unreasonable to bear the burdens or illnesses of others that cannot be passed from person to person. Yet, we often fervently implore God to relieve our loved ones’ suffering and instead place it upon ourselves. When someone we deeply care for passes away, we question why God did not choose us instead. Overwhelmed with emotions, we may presumptuously advise God on what to do and what not to do. Therefore, it is unfeasible to carry each other’s burdens as outlined in Galatians 6:2.
What Does It Mean To Carry Other’s Burden?
To ease the burdens of others, we must first unburden ourselves. However, this act does not yield positive outcomes, as burdens cannot be shifted among individuals. Only Jesus has the power to assume these burdens. By comprehending that Jesus absolved us of our sins two millennia ago, we are released from guilt and are able to declare ourselves as forgiven children of God. Upon becoming His children, satan accuses us, which is why he is known as the accuser (Revelation 12:10).
Those who refuse to confess their sins and accept the freely available forgiveness are embracing falsehood, and the source of all falsehood is the devil. By aligning themselves with the devil, they unjustly accuse the righteous. As long as the righteous remained in unrighteousness, there were no accusations against them. However, once they have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus, the accusations pile up like sand dunes.
People often resort to blaming others in an attempt to prove their own righteousness. However, this behaviour does not actually make them righteous. Similarly, when they unjustly blame a righteous person, it does not diminish that individual’s righteousness. On the contrary, when we assert our own righteous stance, it can bring their guilt to light, especially when they lack the maturity to do so themselves.
Though legally there is no provision to carry another’s burden, notionally there is an opportunity to bear it to create space for those who have done wrong, allowing them to come to Jesus on their own. Until then, it is our responsibility to bear their guilt, firmly believing that God understands our situation. This belief will shield us from justifying our position in front of others, as we humbly submit ourselves into the hands of our Father. It will also help us emulate the mindset of Jesus, who did not defend Himself when wrongly accused.
He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
1 Peter 2:22-23 (NIV)
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
While our relationship with our accusers got strained, there is an opportunity to embrace the mindset of our Lord, Jesus.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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