“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“For each will have to bear his own load.” Galatians 6:5

On the surface, these two verses may seem contradictory. But they exemplify how our vertical and horizontal relationships ought to work. The call to bear one another’s burdens speaks to the compassion we should demonstrate when someone is in need. Jesus said that we will be known by the love we have for one another. Those who have been comforted by Christ must be willing to pay it forward. But people cannot take the place of God in our lives. There are times when our focus must be upward and inward: looking unto Him who created, indwells, sustains, delivers– and will ultimately judge us.

Dear Lord, You’ve called your children to walk in close fellowship with one another. But we’ve also been called into a divine fellowship with the Father and Son, by the Holy Spirit. Please keep us from confusing these two relationships, in our journey of faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For further study:
Ephesians 4:2
John 15:12; 13:35
2 Corinthians 1:4
Psalm 39:7
Psalm 121:1-2
Ephesians 3:16-21