August 13

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. — Gal 6:2 BSB

There are two types of burdens mentioned here. We are called to bear one another’s burdens.

This is the law of love, which is also called the law of Christ. It’s how Christ lived, and it’s how we are to live.

No one is truly a Christian unless they are learning to live this way. Love’s way is to help everyone we meet in some way, as everyone carries some kind of burden.

The second type of burden seems to be the opposite. “Each person must carry their own burden.”

Despite all we can do for others, each individual must live their own life and carry their own load. We can’t make choices for anyone else, repent for them, or believe for them. Even the most loving parent cannot take away their child’s pain or do their duty for them.

In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the wise ones couldn’t share their oil. It wasn’t a lack of kindness; it’s simply the law of life—each must carry their own burden.