Paul tells us something interesting today in Galatians 6.  He seems to give us two different commands. First, He says in verse 2-3 this:

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.

Then, in verses 4-5, he says this:

4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads.

So, he tell us first to bear each others burdens. But then, he tell us carry or “bear” our own burdens.  How can do both?

What is he talking about here?

What are we to do?

As Christians we are to always be looking out for each others. We are to always be looking to help one another, care for one another, bear each other’s burdens.

We need to be about the business of helping each other out.

Bear each others burdens.

But, the only way I can help you, the only way I can bear your burdens is if I’m taking care of my own.  I am to take care of myself, so I can help you.

If I am taken care of, then I have the time, the strength, the ability to help you.

Bear your own burdens.

What it looks like is this. There are going to come times, when all is good. We can fix our problems. Life is good, life is easy. It’s all good.  We bear our own problems.

But, there are others when it’s hard. When it’s not easy. When life is difficult. When we can’t do it.

We need help. We need someone to help us in our burdens. Someone to help us bear them.

We need each other.

Some days we can bear our own. Some days, we can’t.

In all days, we need God. And each other.

Bear your burdens. Bear each other’s burdens.  Love God.  Love each other.

In these things, we are being who God has called us to be.