Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
What does this verse speak of when it mentions the law of Christ? Only two times does Scripture mention the law of Christ but in neither instance does it actually define the law. We see it in Galatians 6:2 as well as 1 Corinthians 9:21. What we do know is the law of Christ is not the same law as in the Old Testament. God gave His people the Law (big L) to guide their lives. But in the New Testament He gave us new commandments – to love the Lord and to love one another (Matthew 22:37-39). We have a new law that is focused on love.
Prior to this verse Paul tells the Galatians to help restore their fellow Christians who are burdened by sin. He tells them to bear one another’s burdens. We all sin. We all struggle. And sometimes those struggles feel like they will overwhelm us. God knows this and Jesus provided us with the instructions for overcoming and the encouragement that comes through the love of our fellow believers. We are not alone and were never meant to struggle by ourselves. We are to bear one another’s burdens, to come alongside our friends and walk the path together. We are to love our friends and help them overcome the things weighing them down.
What does that mean for the believers who are struggling under burdens that threaten to drown them? It means realizing we are floundering and admitting we need help. It means accepting help, even when we don’t want it. The enemy wants you to struggle, to try to go through things alone because when you are alone you are more susceptible to attack. Don’t let the enemy win. Don’t give in to your pride or try to trudge the path alone. Let your friends help support you, encourage you, and walk alongside of you. Don’t deny them the opportunity to love you through the pain. Embrace it and be lifted up, as this is God’s command.
And for those who see their friends struggling, step up and be there. We need to be in communication with our friends and ready to shoulder those heavy burdens. This is love. This is how we can help strengthen our fellow believers and work together to lighten the load.
Are you struggling under the weight of your burdens? Tell someone. Reach out for help. And always be ready to step in and help bear the burdens of others. In this way we can all fulfill the law of Christ and overcome.
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