We are still thinking about “bearing one another’s burdens.” However, in 6:5 we see the goal is that each one shall bear his own load. Is this a contradiction?
The first thing to note is that the Greek
words in v2 and 5 are different. In v2 “baros”
refers to something that is heavy or burdensome. In v5 “phortion” is simply something to be
carried, regardless of its weight. By
illustration, the term in v5 refers to the cargo on a ship, while the term in
v2 refers to the undo weight of that cargo during a storm as the ship is being
ravaged or torn apart.
Another thing we might do is note the two
verses between v2 and v5. Gal. 6:3
indicates to me that Paul is still concerned about the “conceit and envy” he
mentioned in 5:26. Those attitudes
prevent the kind of caring that will restore a brother rather than simply judge
him. And it prevents the kind of burden-bearing
we are called to. Further, it would
prevent the maturity that is needed to bear your own burden. Conceit and envy are selfish sins, sins that
show I am focused on myself and not on Christ or on those I am called to
love. When I bear my own burden, but
have an attitude of conceit, I will tend towards self-pity, wondering why no
one helps me. Thus, it seems to me to be
sensible, that Paul encourages a proper perspective, seeking to bear my own
burden. I can rejoice in that, because I
will know that Christ is helping me and I am not unnecessarily dependent on
others.
Thus, let us ask this:
what is the normal burden for a believer to bear?
·
Let me remind you, that Pharisees (Mt. 23:4; Lk.
11:46), like the Judaizers Paul is concerned with in Galatians, took the normal
burden and made it heavier. And then
they refused to help carry it. We do not
need to bear the burden of the judgment of other people. Only One is our Judge (1 Cor. 4:1-5).
·
We are not called to bear the burden of our sin
and guilt. Christ has done that. He Himself took our infirmities and bore
our sicknesses (Mt. 8:17; Isa. 53:4).
He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to
sins, might live for righteousness (1 Pt. 2:24).
·
Whatever our burden, we do not bear it alone;
God calls us to allow Him to carry it with us.
Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest (Mt. 11:28). Casting all
your care upon Him for He cares for you (1 Pt. 5:7). Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us
with benefits (Ps. 68:19).
·
But what is the burden? It is the yoke of Christ. Discipleship!
Taking up your cross daily and following Him (Lk. 9:23-26; 14:26-27). What Christ lays on us day by day, in
following Him, comes from a Shepherd, a Master who is gentle and humble. His yoke is said to be easy, even as Paul
says, our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17). Remember: it’s a yoke! We are yoked together with our Lord. Thus He promises, you will find rest for
your souls.
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