Galatians 6
Off and on through the day yesterday I thought about Galatians 6:1-6 and the imperative to “bear one another’s burdens” quickly followed by the indicative, “For each one should carry his own load.” Is it just me, or does that sound contradictory to anyone? (That’s not a rhetorical question!)
I turned to The Message for some help…here is how Peterson translates it. I’d love to hear what you think. What is Paul trying to tell us in Galatians 6 about loving one another?
1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
4-5Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. The Message
Don’t you think that sometimes the best way of “helping” someone, or bearing someone’s burdens, is to let them carry their own load?
I think that is very very true. Excellent point and helpful!
I have often wondered the same thing. On the one hand, I wonder if it could suggest that in assisting another with their burden that we may take it for a while but also restore it to them. i.e. like adjusting their load but not simply taking their load upon ourselves.
On the other, I have thought that perhaps it suggests that we still have to attend to our own loads while helping them with theirs. (e.g. when Paul writes that about buffeting his own body so as to not be lost himself after giving himself to others)
Thanks, Jim. I wonder if it is ‘all of the above’ and even more. I also think about Jesus saying, “Take my yoke upon you, 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.” So I am wondering, especially as I observe my own life, if sometimes I’m trying to carry burdens Jesus hasn’t given me to bear — like, maybe, being the SAVIOR?:)!!
Been there tried that, myself. 🙂
It reminds me to take responsibility for my story and live with an eye toward what loads Jesus would ask me to bear. Good word: when I take the burdens that aren’t mine to bear, I’m often living in performance or savior (small s) mode. So I take my empty cup to Jesus to fill and live others from that overflow. At least that is what I want to do. But like Paul, I often don’t do what I want! Great passage to reflect on! I especially love it in The Message!
Wow, Gigi, this is a great thought! Well-said and very helpful.