Galatians 6:2-5 explanation?

[souldiver]

*Galatians 6:2-5

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.*

It says “Carry each other’s burdens” yet later “for each one should carry their own load”. Doesn’t “load” means “burndens”? It seems contradictory. Can you prove it’s no contradictory?

 

[bzkoss236]

It’s not an either-or, but a both-and.

We are to carry our own burdens, but also share others burdens when they need it, and be willing to share ours if we need it. We shouldn’t keep everything bottled up if it will destroy us.

 

[powerofk]

*Galatians 6:2-5

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.*

It says “Carry each other’s burdens” yet later “for each one should carry their own load”. Doesn’t “load” means “burndens”? It seems contradictory. Can you prove it’s no contradictory?

We are all to help each other deal with hardships in our lives. At the same time, each person is responsible for doing his/her part in building the Kingdom of God. We are not to shirk our own responsibilities. However, if someone is dealing with serious hardships, such as homelessness, hunger, imprisonment, a death in the family, a serious illness (physical or mental), an addiction, etc., then that person needs help from others to overcome the hardship. Helping others in this way is an act of mercy - and we will be judged on our acts of mercy (cf. Matt. 25:31-45).

 

[COPLAND_3]

This is from the Aquinas Study Bible

6:2 bear one another’s burdens: burdens stands for whatever oppresses our neighbor—his illnesses, his cares, his vices—which call for compassion, help, and comfort. Be a foot to the lame, eye to the blind, staff to the aged. (St. Augustine Ex. Ps 76) **law of Christ: **Christ called it a law of love, remember: His are the words, “A new commandment I give you, to love one another. Jn 13:34” (Theodoret of Cyrus)

6:5 These words seem to be contrary to what the Apostle said above in verse 6:2. We must realize, however that those words pertain to the time of this present life, whereas these pertain to one’s dying day, to the Day of Judgment generally. The sense is that whatever sort of things one does, so one shall receive. (Haimo of Auxerre)