Galatians 6.2 - Boulders and Backpacks

Galatians 6.2 - Boulders and Backpacks

I have silenced critical friends who say, “The Bible contradicts itself,” by handing them my Bible and asking, “Please, show me where?” But if those friends flipped to Galatians 6 some explanation would be necessary. Verse 2 “Bear one another's burdens…” seems to oppose verse 5 “For each will have to bear his own load.”  What gives? Well, the different words – burden and load – in English reflect the original Greek. Burden, like a large boulder, is more than one person can handle. Load – like a soldier’s pack - must be shouldered by everyone. Actually the Bible here gives a practical complementary truth. Help those in real need because we are one family in  Christ. Some challenges – medical, family, financial, natural disasters – call for us to run and help! Yet one has the responsibility and the ability in Christ, to steer through life’s daily challenges in His power.