“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ … each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:2, 5
Helping people effectively is a tricky business and Paul’s instructions may sound contradictory. We want to avoid neglecting those in genuine need but we also don’t want to encourage idleness which abuses the generosity of others. Paul’s instructions are explained by understanding a burden is something that weighs a person down and they need help, while a load is a person’s normal responsibility. We offer loving support when a load has become a burden.
