Carry One Another’s Burdens
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Let’s Go Deeper
What does it mean to “carry each other’s burdens”?
The Greek word for burdens here is βάρη (barē), meaning a heavy weight, something that is difficult to bear alone. Paul is speaking into the real struggles of life, emotional pain, spiritual failures, material needs, grief, temptation, loneliness, even sin (see verse 1). To carry someone’s burden is not to fix them, it’s to come alongside them with compassion, presence, and perseverance. It’s empathy in action.
Think of a friend in spiritual despair, a parent walking through grief, or a young person without direction. Paul says: “Don’t let them carry that weight alone.”
What is “the law of Christ”?
This phrase is rich. It’s used again in 1 Corinthians 9:21 and ties directly to Jesus’ command. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
So what is “the law of Christ”? It’s not a legal system, it’s a relational call to love with sacrificial, burden-bearing, cross-shaped love. It fulfills what Jesus described as the greatest commandment. Love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40).
Related Scripture
Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Isaiah 53:4 – Describes Jesus as one who “took up our pain and bore our suffering.”
Luke 10:25–37 – The Good Samaritan shows burden-bearing love: inconvenient, costly, but transformational.
Reflection
Is there someone in your life carrying a burden too heavy alone?
Have you allowed yourself to become so busy that you've stopped noticing?
Have you let pride stop you from letting others carry your burdens?
This verse reminds us of a truth we often avoid: We are not meant to do life alone.
Prayer
Lord, give me eyes to see the burdens of those around me. Teach me how to love like You, patiently, compassionately, sacrificially. And when my own burdens feel too heavy, help me not to hide them in shame, but to open my heart to Your help and the love of others. Fulfill Your law in me, Lord Jesus. Amen