by Pastor Rich Carlson 

After all the time a Christian may spend trying to "fulfill the law of Christ," it comes down to this: just carry each other's burdens. 

I can't hate someone if I'm carrying their burden. I can't steal from someone or covet someone's belongings if I'm focused on helping them with the challenges in their lives.

Everything God seems to be asking of me is summarized in one simple concept: take care of your brother—or your sister—especially when they are in need. And a most amazing thing to me about this text is the context in which it is found. Verse 1 is not talking about someone who has fallen on bad times, or on whom life has dealt a difficult blow. It's talking about "brothers" who have been "caught in sin."  

"Restore them gently," is Paul's counsel, and "carry their burdens." 

Verse four keeps it in perspective so that I don't become an enabler. It says, “Each one should carry his own load." Carrying another’s burden is not a rationale for laziness on anyone’s part. Notice the balance that is presented here: Care for others, but not in a way that creates irresponsibility.  

So the law comes through again, in a whole new light. I can fulfill it, and live by it, simply by "carrying my brother's burden." Pretty clear. Pretty simple. Pretty rewarding.           

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. "God is Faithful" is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.