Galatians 6:5 KJV

For every man shall bear his own burden.

This passage is one place in the bible where it sounds like the Bible contradicts itself, but it doesn’t. Last week, we used Galatians 6:2, which says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” Our passage this week in verse 5 tells us that, “every man shall bear his own burden.” 

In context, this passage is referring to a man or woman overtaken in sin. It tells us that the spiritual Christians around them should come to their aid, take part and share in their burden, for the purpose of bringing restoration. This is very true and very important! Then what about today’s scripture?

Throughout our years in ministry we have discovered several truths by experience. One truth is that everyone does not want help. Another is that you are never truly helping anyone when you do for them what they are well able to do for themselves! Even when someone misses it, they have a part, a responsibility in the process of restoration in their lives. The word “burden” in our passage above means “responsibility.” 

Many years ago we had a family come to the church with young children. They had made many bad decisions to get to where they were. They acknowledged that and we received them with love. We took them in, we fed them, blessed them, and made sure they were taken care of on the holidays. They were very happy during this time and very thankful. 

Long story short, I got this man a job. After the first week I asked him how his job was going. His exact words were, “Oh, I quit yesterday, it’s too hot to be doing that kind of work.” From this point forward things went downhill until he quit the church and was back in his former state of defeat and failure.

What happened? Did God not love them? Did we not love them? No! This man was not willing to carry his own burden and fulfill his own responsibilities, thus short circuiting the restoration process.

Be wary of those who always want help, but are unwilling to do their part!