CARRYING ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6: 2)

The “burdens” of other people are not only their external misfortunes, but also their deep-seated defects of character: soft spots, blind spots, addictions, prejudices, delusions, self-centeredness, and so on. I am called to carry these burdens of other people, just like I, and others in my life, carry mine. Just like Christ carries mine and has them nailed to a cross.

I have this opportunity, to bear someone else’s “burdens” and fulfill the law of Christ, the law of the Cross, whenever someone else’s ego steps on my own. I am missing this opportunity if I’m focusing on my own burdens; if I’m constantly feeling hurt or neglected or needy. And my burdens, perhaps ironically, are made lighter by carrying those of others. They aren’t heavy, when I identify them as my own. As someone once said, "He's not heavy. He’s my brother!”