“For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:5).

It is important to remember that the Bible doesn’t contradict itself. When Paul, a few verses earlier said, “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and now he says, “Bear his own burden,” (Galatians 6:5) it’s not a contradiction. The answer really is quite clear. Though the translators used the word “burden” in both verses, the actual words are very different.  The word in verse two is baros which is a heavy, crushing load. This is the load that demands help in bearing. The word in verse five is phortion which is one’s individual load. It is comparable to picking up one’s backpack and being responsible to carry it. You see there are some things in life that I will need others to help me carry. These situations are too big and too heavy for me to carry alone. Most of the time, the Lord wants to help me carry my own responsibilities. How will this play out in your life today?

For today: I’m going to appreciate the help with loads too heavy, but I am going to diligently carry out my personal responsibilities with the Lord’s help. I know you will as well.