Today we will not be looking at one verse but at an apparent contradiction between 2 verses, both of which are found in Galatians 6. Verse 2 says: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. But in the next breath, in verse 5, Paul writes: Each one should carry their own load.
So, which one is it, Paul?
- Must we help our brothers and sisters to carry their burdens?
- Or must each person carry their own load?
Sometimes, when dealing with supposed Bible contradictions, I might say, well the two references are dealing with different situations. One deals with one period of history, the other is addressed to different people at a different time in a different situation, and so the advice is understandably different. But here:
- The writer is the same – Paul.
- The recipients are the same – the Galatian Christians.
- Even the chapter is the same. In verse 2 he says one thing, and in verse 5, exactly the opposite.
Boundaries
So, what do we make of this? I first found the explanation of these verses in the classic book, ‘Boundaries’, by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend. In chapter 2 of their book, they explain the difference between 2 Greek words used in Galatians 6, verses 2 and 5.
Boulders
In verse 2 Paul says: Carry each other’s burdens. The word ‘burden’ refers to an unusually heavy burden, a load that one person cannot carry alone. It threatens to crush them. Think of this burden as a boulder, a huge rock, which one person on his own simply cannot lift. Carrying this boulder will take a team of strong men. When you see someone struggling under the crushing weight of a boulder, you should help them. Paul adds: “By so doing you are fulfilling the law of Christ”. What is the law of Christ? I am not 100% sure what Paul had in mind, but it was most likely the new commandment Jesus gave His followers, to love each other as He loved them. Or possibly it refers to His words in the Sermon on the mount: “In everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you.” Either way, if you are in a position to do so, helping someone in need is the right thing to do.
Backpacks
But then Paul appears to do an about turn. In verse 5 he writes: “Each person should carry their own load.” So, which is it? Should we help people carry their burdens or should we leave them to carry their own load? The answer is: Both! The word Paul uses in verse 5 could be translated as cargo or luggage. Think of it as a backpack. If a group of people go hiking or mountain climbing each person is expected to carry their own backpack. The backpack might contain water, a snack, a warm jacket and sun-cream. It is not a burden or a boulder. It’s a backpack, containing the items for which you are responsible. It is your load to carry.
The Difference
These 2 words, boulder and backpack, really help us to understand why Paul seems to be giving conflicting instructions. Both instructions are correct.
When someone is carrying a huge problem, for example: a calamity has struck, a child has died, their house burned down, they lost their job, they have just been diagnosed with a terminal disease, or, and this is really the primary context of the verse, they are struggling to overcome sin, they need our help. The whole church should rally together and support the person or family in desperate need. They are in a crisis. They need our assistance.
But: when it comes to a person’s normal, regular, personal responsibilities, that is exactly what they are – personal responsibilities. It is one thing to buy someone a trolley of groceries because they have been retrenched and suddenly have no income. But it is another matter altogether, to keep on buying their daily groceries because they are too lazy to get a job. That is their responsibility, not yours.
Two Problems May Arise.
Once we understand the meaning of the different words Paul used, this contradiction is easy to resolve. There really is no contradiction. There are, however, two problems that may arise out of all this.
The first is when someone thinks their boulder is a backpack. You can see they are not coping. Life is crashing around them but they insist that they do not need your help. This calls for patience, love, understanding, and, of course, much prayer. Not only prayer for the one in distress, but prayer for yourself, that the Lord will give you the wisdom you need so that you can graciously provide the help they need.
You have probably guessed the second problem. It is when a person carrying a backpack is convinced that it is a boulder. This person demands assistance with the most mundane, day-to-day things. “But you are a Christian! You must help me! I cannot manage without your help.” Once again, this calls for a firm, honest response. By not creating healthy boundaries, by allowing people to take advantage of you, you will end up harming yourself and the person you think you are helping.
Discernment Needed
In discerning whether you should intervene and help a brother or sister in their time of need, look at their whole situation honestly, and then ask yourself these questions:
- Is this a boulder or a backpack?
- Is this a temporary crisis or is this an ongoing lifestyle?
- Is this person being crushed by an unexpected disaster or are they shirking their personal responsibilities?
What about you?
We have considered these 2 verses from the point of view of helping those in need. Finally, we must also learn to apply this lesson to our own needs. In the ordinary, day-to-day stresses of life, may we all accept responsibility for ourselves. Let us exercise common sense and not become a burden to those around us.
Conversely, and this, I believe, is most important, when you hit a crisis, when you feel like you are drowning and you cannot go on any longer, please ask for help. Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or family member. In most cases you will find that people are willing and eager to lend a helping hand. Please allow them the joy of doing so.