Carrying Each Other’s Burdens: Living Out the Law of Christ
Life is hard. Following Jesus is hard. But Jesus told us it would be. He said that if we want to follow Him, we must take up our cross. This path will be challenging, especially for followers of Jesus.
What Does It Mean to Carry Someone’s Cross?
Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way from the country when Roman soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. This iconic moment of shared suffering teaches us something profound about interruptions and inconveniences that may actually be invitations from God.
Burden bearing isn’t about fixing people. It’s about walking with them until they can stand again. You might not be called to carry someone’s cross every day, but you might be their Simon for one sacred mile—the one who holds them up when they feel like they cannot stand.
Many of us have experienced people carrying our burdens:
- People bringing meals during difficult times
- Friends offering financial help
- Someone speaking an encouraging word at just the right moment
- Those who sit with us in hospital rooms
These sacred moments are the work of Christ in this world through His people—beautiful examples of the gospel being lived out.
What Does Paul Say About Carrying Burdens?
In Galatians 6, Paul writes to a diverse church struggling with their identity as followers of Jesus:
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently, but watch yourselves, or you may also be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ… For each one should carry their own load.”
Is Paul contradicting himself? On one hand, he tells us to carry each other’s burdens, and then says we should carry our own load.
The answer lies in the Greek words Paul uses:
- Baros (burden): A weight, trouble, or overbearing difficulty—almost impossible to carry
- Forteon (load): Cargo or a soldier’s pack—what you’re supposed to carry on your own
Paul makes a clear distinction. We’re responsible for our own load—our choices, character, and calling. But we’re also responsible to help carry the crushing burdens others cannot bear alone—death of a spouse, a diagnosis, relapse, poverty, or despair.
How Do We Fulfill the Law of Christ?
Paul says that by carrying each other’s burdens, we “fulfill the law of Christ.” What is this law? Jesus said in John, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
The law of Christ isn’t a list—it’s a life shaped by love, carried out in community. It’s how the body of Christ lives Jesus’ life out in the world.
Real Stories of Burden-Bearing
Ben and Gina’s Story
After Ben’s second cancer diagnosis, they finally allowed others to help:
- Accepting meals from church members
- Receiving financial assistance
- Letting friends like Tony take their son to soccer games
They realized: “We would have never experienced God’s love through others if we hadn’t let our pride go and let them help.”
Keith’s Story
During their daughter Haddie’s hospitalization:
- An elder texted, “Can I bring you anything?”
- A visiting family stopped by the hospital
- People learned about Hattie’s illness to pray specifically
- Even simple questions like “How’s Hattie doing?” meant the world
Samantha and Ryan’s Story
Facing two simultaneous cancer diagnoses:
- Meal trains removed the daily question of “what’s for dinner?”
- Cards, texts, gift drops, and errand runs made them feel seen
- Church members sat with them during Samantha’s double mastectomy
- Over 50 people gathered to pray over their family
Despite more treatment ahead, they feel carried—not because the path is easy, but because they’re not walking alone.
The Blackstone Family’s Story
Through job loss and their daughter Eva’s cancer diagnosis:
- The church provided groceries, meals, and paid bills
- A shepherd showed up at the hospital during Eva’s port surgery
- When insurance complications arose, people said, “Don’t worry about the cost”
As they put it: “You have no idea how much we feel Jesus when you reach out to us in love.”
Why Burden-Bearing Matters
It’s easy to focus on our own daily challenges. But we have opportunities every day—at work, with neighbors—to be Jesus to people who need to see Him.
Our hope is that through our generosity, caring, prayers, and comfort, people won’t just see that we’re good people, but that our God is great and His goodness never ends.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Life Application
Take a moment to consider these two questions:
- Who’s carrying a heavy burden near you right now?
- What would it mean for you to walk beside them this week?
Write down the name of someone carrying a heavy burden and how you might walk alongside them. It doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic—sometimes the most meaningful support comes through quiet, intentional, faithful presence.
When we carry each other’s burdens, we become the hands and feet of Jesus. We show the world what the body of Christ was meant to be—a community where no one walks alone through their darkest valleys.
This week, look for opportunities to lighten someone’s load. A text message, a meal, a listening ear, or simply showing up might be exactly what someone needs to keep going. In doing so, you’ll fulfill the law of Christ and demonstrate His love in tangible ways.