Bear One Another’s Burdens(Gal. 6:2)

In the past two weeks, our small groups have discussed being devoted to one another and accepting one another. Tonight we will look at bearing one another’s burdens.

Remember that all of these “one another” texts in the New Testament are related directly to our previous study of “Christians Nurturing Christians”. These small group discussions are grounded in the biblical text which in every instance relates to how we are to interact and treat one another in the church. There are other texts in Scripture that provide instructions about how we interact and treat those outside the body of Christ. These studies need to be focused on those in the body of Christ.

ASV Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

KJV Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

NIV Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

RSVBear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

As you can see from the translations above, most translators chose to use the word “bear” while the NIV uses “carry”. The word means to “take up or pick up something, to put something on one’s self.”

Furthermore, Greek writers often put words in certain positions in a sentence for emphasis. In this case the original text literally says, “One another’s burdens bear….”

  1. What might be significant about “One another’s burdens bear” as opposed to “Bear one another’s burdens”?
  1. In the context of this passage, what are the burdens Paul refers to? Read Galatians 6:1-5
  1. How do the first two sessions (devoted to one another and accept one another) assist in bearing the burdens Paul refers to in this context?
  1. What is our responsibility when others sin?
  1. What are the specific guidelines Paul provides that are essential if there is any hope of a positive outcome?

Who is to take the initiative to help someone trapped in sin? (Note: the “you” is plural)

What is significant about Paul’s reference to “trapped or caught in sin”?

What is the goal?

Note: the reference to “restoring gently” is not about the “act” of restoring, but on the person(s) restoring another. In other words, he’s talking about the humility of those involved. Why is that an important admonition?

Why does Paul caution those restoring another to “watch yourselves”?

  1. How has this session affected the way you think about the sins of other Christians?