”Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).
“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. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 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 … Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap … And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith… But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God … Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” Galatians 1:1-5,7,9,10,14-16,18]*
Some burdens are to be shouldered.- Some burdens are to be shared.
- Some burdens are to be shed.
Some Burdens are to be Shouldered.
“For every man shall bear his own burden” (Gal. 6:5).[1]
These are the everyday responsibilities connected with life in a fallen world. [For example,] Every man is responsible to joyfully provide for his family.
Some Burdens are to be Shared.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).[2]
Burden-bearing within the family of God is our privilege. These “burdens” are those uncommon, overwhelming loads that would sink a person on his or her own. The law of love demands my participation in assisting those who are weighed down with these unusual burdens.
Some Burdens are to be Shed.
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD,
and he shall sustain thee:
he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).
[“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6,7]*
When Providence has dealt you a hand, which is not of your choosing, you are to throw down your burden back on the Lord. If you are overwhelmed with life’s crushing incidents, remember you are in partnership with the Holy Spirit–you are not alone. Life is full of opportunities cleverly disguised as insoluble problems.
God never intended you to carry the guilt and grief of your sin. All of that was taken into account at Calvary. If God has put your sin behind Him, you should put it behind you.
[“As far as the east is from the west,
so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12]
“There is no better proof of a friendship, than to help our friends with their burdens.” — Augustine
From Deep Fire: Daily Challenges for a Burning Heart (Christ Life Publications), p.143. Used with permission. www.christlifemin.org/home/shop/books
[1] Greek word phortion meaning “burden, load (as in Christian responsibilities)”
[2] Greek word baros meaning “weight, burden, trouble” (a weight heavier than phortion)
Primary Scripture quotes in article, KJV.
Footnotes and bracketed Scripture (NKJV) added.
Honorable Mention
In a free video course of 15 brief lessons, authors Jennifer Kennedy Dean and Leighann McCoy discuss “Setting Captives Free: Praying for the Lost.” See vimeo.com/channels/prayingforthelost