Carrying a Burden
FROM MY PASTOR: RUSSELL HOWELTON
Boundaries tell us what is our responsibility and what is someone else’s responsibility
Here’s Galatians 6:2-7, which talks about boundaries:
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
We’re supposed to carry each other’s burdens, but we’re also supposed to carry our own loads. Think of a load as something which is manageable–your daily to-do list. But when something out of the blue hits someone that they can’t handle themselves, then we’re supposed to help them. We aren’t supposed to carry each other’s loads–only their burdens. And you won’t be able to help someone with their burdens if you’re simultaneously trying to carry their loads.
God has designed each of us to carry our own loads. When we refuse to do so, there are consequences. When we rescue our friends or family from their consequences, we are interfering with God's discipline. This stunts the growth of our loved ones and the lesson is not completed. We have crossed the boundaries that lead to healthy maturity. Now, we are carrying their load rather than their burdens.
Here’s Galatians 6:2-7, which talks about boundaries:
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
We’re supposed to carry each other’s burdens, but we’re also supposed to carry our own loads. Think of a load as something which is manageable–your daily to-do list. But when something out of the blue hits someone that they can’t handle themselves, then we’re supposed to help them. We aren’t supposed to carry each other’s loads–only their burdens. And you won’t be able to help someone with their burdens if you’re simultaneously trying to carry their loads.
God has designed each of us to carry our own loads. When we refuse to do so, there are consequences. When we rescue our friends or family from their consequences, we are interfering with God's discipline. This stunts the growth of our loved ones and the lesson is not completed. We have crossed the boundaries that lead to healthy maturity. Now, we are carrying their load rather than their burdens.
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