… for each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:5
Galatians 6 seems to contain a paradox. We saw last week that we are to bear each other’s burdens. But then just a few verses later it says to bear your own burdens. So how does this work?
The original text uses two different words that we translate as burden in this chapter. Baros, which appears in the instruction to bear one another’s burdens refers to a weight of significance – “anything grievous and hard to be borne.”[1]
This heaviness can include material difficulties as well as those of dignity or reputation.
Phortion is used in verse 5 where we are admonished to carry our own burden. These are things that could be associated with leading, or failing to lead, an obedient life. It also can include normal responsibilities that we should not expect others to fulfill for us.
This is not an either/or but rather a both/and. I must fulfill my responsibilities yet accept help when overwhelmed. Yet I am also called to share the weight of my neighbor’s load when needed, not in excusing his responsibility but enabling him to move forward.
I have a duty to carry my own load whenever possible and not offload it on my neighbor unfairly. Loving my neighbor compels me to carry what I can. But we are more connected than I sometimes acknowledge. I must also willingly accept help when needed. We are to:
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15
and
Carry one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2
We share the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am glad I have a community that will come alongside me. And I need eyes to see when that community needs me as well.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10
[1] Bill Mounce https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/baros
