MUST WE CARRY OUR BURDENS AND ALSO THOSE OF OTHERS?

«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» (Galatians 6: 9, 10).

THE QUESTION IN TODAY’S TITLE seems to suggest that we already have enough of our own burdens to think about carrying those of others as well, but this is precisely what the apostle Paul asked the Galatians to do in today’s text: that they take every opportunity to do good to others, especially «those who are of the household of faith.» In other words, «however heavy your burdens may seem, you have no excuse not to help those in need!»

This Christian principle was illustrated well by Robert M. Johnston in his experience as a counselor at a youth camp in California. The hard part of the outing consisted of a three-day hike along the Yosemite Plateau. However, one thing was clear: everyone had to carry his own gear; that is, his own burden, without asking for help. It was in this respect that problems arose, especially on the part of a boy who should not have been in the group because he was not old enough.

Johnston said they had not walked even half an hour when the boys started asking the counselors to help them carry their backpacks. Then the leader of the group gathered them together and read to them from the Bible: «Each one shall bear his own load» (Galatians 6:5). The young men reluctantly resumed walking. The leader’s speech had apparently been effective because there were no more complaints until the last day, when the youngest boy said he did not want to walk anymore: «I can’t do anymore,» he said. «You guys go on and leave me. I want to stay here and die.»

What did the leader do? He asked that the boy’s burden be divided among everyone. «But you said everyone would carry his own load!» protested the young men.
Then the leader took his Bible again and read, «Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ» (Galatians 6:2).

How can the apparent contradiction be explained? Johnston explained that the word «burden» in v. 5 (Greek fórtion) refers to an individual burden such as what is carried by a soldier or a street vendor. On the other hand, «burden» in v. 2 (Greek báros) «means a great weight, a difficult burden to carry» by a single person.

The leader’s message was clear: learn to carry your own burdens, but it also helps to bear those of others, especially when they are very heavy!

Dear Father, although I have my own burdens,
I want to take every opportunity today to alleviate the burdens of my neighbors, especially those of people in great need.

#AdultsDevotional
#RadioJovenAdventista05
#MeditacionesDiarias

Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate