1. Biblical Evidences Toward Bearing One Another’s Burdens Gal.6:2

2. What does the Bible teach on this subject. Do we have a responsibility to assist one another? The text teaches that we do. In doing so we fulfill the law of Christ Gal.6:2. But v.5 seems to contradict. It says each must bear his own burden.

3. Why the difference? First, what is a burden - a weight of responsibility one has to bear. It may be physical, material in nature Matt.20:12. Things such as a debilitating disease, chronic illness, sorrow, tragedy, etc. Spiritual – Gal.6:2. Even religious Acts 15:28.

4. Same words in English but different words in Greek. V.2 “baros” something heavy or burdensome, so overwhelming it is almost impossible to carry alone such as toils, trials whether physical, spiritual, religious. V.5 “phortion” like a soldier’s pack, a task no one else can carry or do for you.

5. Personal obligation for which each person alone is responsible. That for which each must answer for self in the Day of judgment. Burden in Jesus’ invitation Matt.11:30 is “phortion.” Man’s personal responsibility that no else can do for you. burdens beyond reach of human effort, cast upon Lord Ps.55:22.

6. Brethren to be concerned about each other is a universal principle in the NT, spiritually, materially Rom.15:1-2; Phil.2:4; Eph.4:32; 1.Thes.5:14-15; Jas.2:14-16. Note how many times the phrase “one another” is used in local membership relationship activity. 18 times positive “do’s”. 6 negative “don’ts.”

7. Christianity is a “we” religion, not a “me” one. We must be concerned about how we can help each other, not self Gal.5:26. One of the terms that describes the church is “a body” Rom.12:4-5. A singular body (one), composed of many members, joined together working as a unit (one) Eph.4:16.

8. Individualism is not a virtue in the church (body). While each member is individually responsible for its own work it does not function without considering the other members of the body. Note 1.Cor.12:12-26. We can learn at least 3 things in the passage.

9. 1. Members are dependent on one another. They do not function outside the body vs.15-16. 2. All members are needed vs.21- 22 so we need to be concerned about each other vs.25-26. 3. Members work in harmony (no schism, division) vs.12, 25. Also Gal.5:13-16; Eph.4:3.

10. So, what do we do when a part of the body suffers? We try to help however we can. Certainly one suffering from some disease, illness or trial is carrying a very heavy burden. So we help them bear the burdens so difficult they should not have to carry them alone, whether physical or spiritual.

11. V.1 gives the example of one caught up in sin. The shame and guilt is heavy, so brethren help him resolve it. Some brethren seem to never find a reason to help another. They find many excuses to avoid it. This is wrong 1.Jn.3:17; Jas.1:27; 2:14-16; 1.Pet.4:9-10; Heb.10.24.

12. Sometimes we judge them as unworthy of help before we know the circumstances. Remember we are fulfilling the law of Christ and showing our love for Him and our brethren. How does helping bear burdens benefit the church? 1. It certainly helps the one with the problem (immediate thing).

13. 2. It causes thanksgiving to be given to God 2.Cor.9:12-14. 3. It causes the one who is helping to fulfill the law of Christ. When we do this we do well Jas.2:8-10. We had better obey it for one day it will be our judge Jn.12:48; Rom.2:16.

14. To what extent should we assist each other? To the same extent we would help Christ if He were here among us Matt.25:35-40.