To Bear or Not to Bear
Daily Reflections, Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Today's Scripture: Galatians 6:2;6:5
Why does Paul say on one hand, “Bear ye one another’s burdens,” and then on the other hand say, “Every man must bear his own burden.” Isn’t that a contradiction? It seems that way—until the original Greek text reveals two different words, both translated as “burden.”
The word in Galatians 6:2 refers to a “load or a weight.” In this context, Paul is asking more mature believers to come alongside new or struggling Christians and help them find victory and hope. Carry some of their weight so they don’t get crushed. This is a central function of the church, the body of Christ.
The word in Galatians 6:5 refers to a “task or calling.” Here Paul is warning Christians to worry about their own jobs, tasks, and callings from the Lord. Don’t try to live out someone else’s calling.
As brothers and sisters in the Lord, our job is to seek out those who are hurting and struggling and help to lighten their load. Let God work in their life to fulfill His own unique purpose in them. Let’s worry about our lives and our responsibilities.
We’re often ignorant of others’ struggles, choosing rather to delve into the juicy gossip of their lives. Their flaws and weaknesses are emphasized while ours are blindly overlooked.
God wants us to be burden-bearers, not busybodies.
Today's Quote: The best exercise for strengthening the heart is reaching down and lifting people up.—Ernest Blevins
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- Title: "To Bear or Not to Bear"
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