Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2)
Disciples of Jesus are fulfillers.
Disciples are hearers of good teaching, but more than hearers. Disciples are students of life-changing truths, but more than students. Disciples of Jesus are imitators of their teacher and in the imitating, we are fulfillers of “the law of Christ.” What is that law?
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal 5:14)
Disciples of Jesus are fulfillers. Paul made much the same point in his letter to the Romans.
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)
The law fulfilled by love made tangible. Love in deed and in truth, not merely in word or talk. Love that we hear about in the pew and practice in the flesh. Love incarnate, the fulfilling of the law to which we are all accountable.
For each will have to bear his own load. (Gal 6:5)
And yet, the concern of a disciple is not simply for his or her own load. One of the most fundamental ways I can fulfill the law of Christ is to bear the burdens of someone else. That begins with and is sustained by a spirit of humility.
For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Gal 6:3)
No one is above or too educated for or so special that they are beyond burden bearing.
“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'” (Luke 17:10)
Burden bearing isn’t theoretical. A burden is a load. A very real weight. Maybe it’s physical. Often it’s emotional. Perhaps it’s spiritual. Turbulent anxiety. Arduous concerns. An exacting trial. A hefty responsibility. Distressing news. A heavy season. A serious impediment. A vexing temptation. Oppressive grief. A taxing affliction.
Love doesn’t see someone struggling beneath such burdens, awkwardly avoid eye contact and “pass by on the other side of the road.” Love doesn’t say to someone crippled by such burdens, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without acting. Love offers more to the one overcome by such burdens than “I’ll pray for you.”
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love takes the time. Love gets its hands dirty. Love counts others more significant. Love looks out for the interests of others. Love allows for interruptions. Love accommodates changes of plan. Love invests. Love makes the call. Love sends the text. Love knocks on the door. Love provides the meal. Love welcomes the stranger. Love asks. Love seeks out. Love sacrifices. Love gently lifts, humbly carries, and doesn’t worry about who gets the credit. Love serves. Love is content with the applause of the Father who sees in secret. Love bears the burdens others are struggling to bear on their own in the name of a Savior and King who has already borne the ultimate burden.
So, two questions. A thought question: who do you know that’s bearing a heavy burden today? And an action question: what can you do to make that burden a little lighter?
Bear one another’s burdens, brothers and sisters, and so fulfill the law of Christ.