Galatians 6:5
For each one shall bear his own load.
Truth to Learn
Our load is heavy and each one must bear it alone. But helping others with their load will make your own seem lighter.
Behind the Words
The word translated “load” is phortion, which is a diminutive of phortos, referring to the freight or cargo of a ship. In the book of Acts Paul used this word in reference to ship’s cargo:
saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (Acts 27:10)
And though phortion is a diminutive, it still carries the notion of a large or heavy load.
Meaning Explained
Each one of us has a load to bear in this life. And, over and above the normal burdens of life, we are occasionally overtaken by temptations that add to that load (Galatians 6:1). But, as Paul tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians, God knows what we can handle and will not over-burden us:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1Corinthians 10:13)
When other Christians add to our load by telling us we have to keep a collection of man-made rules and regulations, it only adds to our burden. It was the Pharisees of Jesus’ day who endeavored to make it harder for those less “spiritual” than themselves. Yet, they were not willing to assist others with their loads:
For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:4)
The Christian walk, on the other hand, is one of submissive service to Christ, rather than burdensome adherence to oppressive regulations. The burden of serving Christ and others is light compared to trying to keep the law.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30)
The intent of the law is to love the Lord with all your heart and to love others as yourself. That means sharing each other’s burdens. In the early part of this letter Paul put it this way:
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Application
Do you feel loaded down in your Christian walk? Are you stumbling under the load and being tripped-up by temptations? Instead of complaining about the heaviness of your own load, look around for others who are struggling with their load and reach out a helping hand. You will find that the more you help others in a humble, loving way, the lighter your own burden will seem.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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