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Galatians 6:5
For each one shall bear his own load. (Galatians 6:5)
Sometimes Scripture speaks paradoxically: One verse seems to say the opposite of another (“I judge no one”; “I have many things to say and to judge concerning you …” – Jn 8:15, 26). When one looks deeper, there are different points at issue that make the two statements non-contradictory.
In our featured passage, Paul had just said, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (6:2). He was speaking of a weak brother who had been “overtaken in any trespass” (6:1). This one has succumbed to temptation and needs understanding, guidance and correction. Christians are to supply this spiritual support for each other. We are to restore the wounded. We are not to swell with pride but remember that we, too, have fallen prey to Satan many times (6:3-4).
It is here that Paul reminds us that we will each give answer for ourselves to God. The burden of ultimate responsibility is one that each bears for himself. We all need help along the way, but in regard to accountability, the buck stops with us. The failure of someone else to walk faithfully does not mitigate my own faults. Let us all concentrate on bearing our burden of responsibility while assisting others weaker than ourselves.
