Burden bearing is not an abstract concept but refers to practical actions. In the life of the church, it definitely involves speaking to one another about sin. Confronting sin in private, asking questions about lifestyle choices and decisions, we are not unloving or unkind when we do so. In fact, it is nothing more or less than what Jesus expects from his disciples (see Matthew 18:15–20).
The responsibility of challenging and correcting sin is not just given only to office bearers, but all Christians. We are our brother’s keeper; we need to speak up and say something if we see a sin that is nagging and persistent. It could be the misuse of God’s name. Not everyone has considered the fact that we dishonour God when we use his name without thinking. It could be our conduct on the Lord’s Day, the way we dress, or something else we pick up in conversation. Whatever the case may be, it is not loving to stay silent. Like Abigail corrected David (1 Samuel 25:1–44), we have a duty to restore, gently and in private.
Gentle restoration is one example of burden bearing that is explicitly mentioned in our passage. Of course, there are many other ways in which we can and must help each other. Two concrete examples mentioned elsewhere in Paul’s letters are the matter of finances and emotional comfort—giving to support poor Christians or being present when someone is going through a hard time. These are two practical ways in which we can help to bear the burdens that come from living in a fallen world.
Of course, if we are called to bear burdens, we must also be willing to share them. The worries we have for our children, struggles in marriage, difficulties in making ends meet, or temptations and doubts, sorrows, and joys. We might not be comfortable divulging things to everyone in the same way, but I hope at least there is someone in our church with whom you can share your struggles. Our Father wants us to be here for each other.
Life in the Spirit is not a competition. It is not a test to be passed but the privilege of belonging to a new family. A family where we have a greater brother, our Lord Jesus Christ, who has borne the burden of our sins (see 1 Peter 2:24). A family where we receive a love that we do not deserve, so that we can love our brothers and sisters who are likewise undeserving.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.