There is a text in Galatians 6 that begins in verse two by saying, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Later in the same context, verse five, he said, “For each one shall bear his own load.”
Now it is obvious to anyone who accepts the inspiration of scripture that there must be a difference between a burden and a load. The Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself, and if the two are the same, the thought produced is nonsensical. There are two aspects of the writing that serve to give us the true sense of Paul’s teaching. The first is an understanding of the definitions of the two words. The second and most important is the context, both immediate and remote. Let’s consider.
It is true that there is a difference in the two words in the Greek language, though they are synonyms. The word burden (baros) is defined: heaviness, weight, burden, trouble. The word load (phortion) seems to have a nautical background referring to an invoice, or the lading (freight) of a ship. The word defined: a burden or load. So, the two references are to distinct words, though very similar. It is clear they are used a bit differently in the context.
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). Here the great apostle notes the obligation that we have toward one another. Such obligations are sometimes heavy and difficult. I believe one such passage that helps to illustrate this is 1 Corinthians 13:7, that love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” God expects us to show and act on our concern for the souls of our brethren. Such is a demonstration of our love for them. Here is a simple illustration. A child is about to walk unknowingly in front of a speeding car. We don’t just watch. There is an imperative to help. To idly stand by, and do nothing when effort can possibly remedy the danger is unfeeling. Since a person’s soul is of greater value, we are given the command to restore the sinner. It would be unfeeling to do anything else. God wants us to help. This is a part of Christ’s law.
The text of 1 Corinthians 7 seems to be applicable to any escalation of such intervention. The context is love expressed. First there is the willingness to help, “endures all things.” Paul wrote, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more” (1 Corinthians 9:19).
Second there is the confidence that an offer of help will bring a proper response, “believes all things.” This is the basis of Paul’s admonition here in Galatians 6. The intervention of “you who are spiritual” is intended to restore. God certainly knows better than us in this. We may doubt the efficacy of discipline and admonition, but it is God’s plan and done as He intends can bring a sinner to repentance.
Third is the need for persistence when the desired repentance has not occurred, “hopes all things.” I am reminded of an invitation sent to a couple of men out of duty for several years. Heartfelt expressions of hope were given that they would just come and listen. The men decided to come, and as a result were restored. Previous attempts were unsuccessful but finally it worked! And, the two remain faithful to this day, many years later. This patience is needed as it is an example set by the Lord Himself! “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Finally, should all efforts to restore a sinner fail, it does not change our desire for the welfare of the sinner nor our love for him. Love “endures all things.” Consider Jesus’s words, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37).
Which brings us to the second statement of Paul, and the contrast of our article. It is simple. While we seek to help one another, ultimately our standing with God is dependent upon ourselves. Consider the text above. Jesus wanted so badly for Jerusalem to accept His love, “but you were not willing!” “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4-5).
While your brethren can love you, and express their concern to you, ultimately your standing before God depends solely upon you. They can’t make you, nor can they keep you from doing right and serving God. Jesus said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5). But, He also said, “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:29).
Ultimately it’s entirely up to you! Think about it.
