If you are wondering why Jesus asks us to bear burdens, then consider the second part of Galatians 6:2, “and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Let’s go back to two statements Jesus said about the law.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. – Matthew 22:37-40
When you consider this statement, you understand why Jesus would ask us to bear burdens. By doing so you are showing the love of God by loving your neighbor as yourself.
If you were facing a burden would you want help? If you are honest (and not prideful) the answer is yes. Also, if you knew of someone who was facing a burden and you were in a position to help, would you? Hopefully, the answer is yes.
In both of these instances, the law is being fulfilled because you are either being loved or loving your neighbor as you would yourself. When you do this, you are actually being Christ’s hands and arms extended.
3 Practical Areas in Which to Bear One Another’s Burdens
Because burdens come in all shapes and sizes there are literally an unlimited amount of ways to bear burdens. I am going to give you some ideas, but I’m sure you can come up with more.
1. Financial Burdens
- Start a food coop to pool resources together.
- If you belong to a membership retailer share some of the groceries with a neighbor.
- Go to a local food pantry on behalf of someone else, pick up the groceries and deliver them.
- Create a directory of all the available places and resources people can use to get assistance because many times people don’t know what options are available.
- If you can afford it, pay someone’s utility bill for a month.
2. Spiritual Burdens
- If someone is struggling with a besetting sin be willing to be their accountability partner.
- Start a Bible study group to help people study the Bible—there are plenty of devotionals to help you if you are not sure if you are “qualified” enough.
- Be willing to pray for and with people.
- Call someone and let them share their heart with you and just listen.
3. Family Burdens
- Offer to watch the kids so a husband and wife can have a date night.
- Schedule a weekly walk with a friend just to give them a space of rest and someone to talk to.
These are just a few ideas but there are plenty more. The idea is just simply looking for ways to help alleviate the weight people are experiencing. Sometimes you may not be able to take off the whole weight; so do what you can, because every little bit helps.
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