We all know people in life who are going through a lot right now. Some of them are facing the consequences of being sinned against. Others are facing the consequences of their own life choices. Some of them are struggling through natural consequences of living in a sin cursed world.

At times it is not only appropriate, but godly to help others through their problems. Christians are called to “bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:1) In fact, God calls us to this because it helps “fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2)

The problem is that some of us are unbalanced in our generosity. This seems like an odd statement. First, Christians are called to be generous. Christ was beyond generous with us on the cross, so it is a part of our Christian nature to demonstrate immense generosity to others.

However, we need to understand there is a cut off point in doing bearing another’s burden. While we are called to help others, at some point they “will have to bear his own load.” (Gal. 6:5) Could someone be unable to care for themselves at all, yes. But often people get caught in the trap of helping someone out who is able to care for themself, but refuses to do so.

Why do people refuse to care for themselves? Because it is hard. Or maybe, because they are lazy. It is easier to have someone else do for them instead of bearing their own burden. They take advantage of people’s generosity. They don’t just let someone help with their burden, they ask them to carry it for them with no intent on ever carrying it themselves.

Since the passage says each person is called to eventually carry their own burden, we know there should be a cut off point. There should be a time when you don’t carry someone else’s burden any more.

When should that be? First, give some time. While we don’t want to be taken advantage of, we also don’t want to help for such a short time we make no difference. Second, we also want to make sure that when we “give the burden back,” we don’t make a drastic cut off. Our help should decrease gradually over time. Third, make sure the other person has a plan. How can we help them learn to carry it on their own?

Think About It

Are you helping carry anyone’s burden in life?

How long do you think you should carry it for?

Have you prayed about this or sought godly wisdom about the length of time you should be helping?

Are you developing a plan with the person you are helping to help them carry their own burden eventually?