(Galatians 6:2) Carry the burdens of one another.

Because we live in a fallen world, we all carry burdens—heavy loads of weight—in life.

No one is exempt.

Life’s burdens come in different forms and at different times.

Some burdens are small, while others are very large.

Our burdens in life include such things as personal loss, financial struggles, health issues, and marriage and family problems.

The exhortation in Galatians 6:2 to “carry the burdens of one another,” however, does not mean that we attempt to take someone else’s burdens fully upon ourselves.

We cannot carry the burdens of others all alone.

This exhortation calls us to join with others in the church in caring for those who are in need.

Carrying the burdens of others means that we come alongside them, pray for them, care for them, and help them in whatever practical ways we can.

When we emotionally and spiritually walk alongside others in need, we help lighten the weight of their struggles.

In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is called our Advocate—the one who comes alongside us.

This is why we must always seek to help others through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

We cannot help carry the burdens of others in our own strength.

We come alongside others in humility and with a quiet strength.

We must be sensitive to how the Holy Spirit is leading us to best help others.

Often, people who are carrying major burdens do not emotionally feel that God is present. We become an expression of God’s presence to them when we come alongside them.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to become God’s presence to those who are in need of his love.

What a tremendous privilege.

What a beautiful thing.