Carry and Conceal (lesson and discussion)

Interview Conversation on Bearing One Another’s Burdens

Paul-Example of Uncle and friends encouraging weightlifting. 

Let’s first discuss where we get the idea of carrying each other’s burden’s, and then we will spend some time unpacking then things that may hinder us from living this out. 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. “. Galatians 6:2

This is multi-faceted.  Paul says that carrying each other’s burdens is fulfilling that law of Christ.

To carry or to bear is our English understanding of bastazō.  This word is used multiple times in the Bible, but one interesting passage in the New Testament describes a time when 72 disciples were told to not carry specific items found in Luke 10:4.  This passage in Luke describes the anointing and commissioning of the disciples to heal and speak of the coming kingdom of God, but as they were sent out, Jesus instructs them to not bring (carry) a purse, bag, or sandals.”  We do not see Jesus saying that these items are not important, but rather this is a relationship building moment to know God as Jehovah-Jireh or “The Lord will provide.”  (Gen 22:14)

The Hebrew word "kabed" (כבד) can describe both literal weight and societal gravity, influence, or glory.

Interestingly, "kabed" is also used to describe God's "glory" or manifested presence [1]

This connection between "weight" and "glory" in the Hebrew understanding suggests a deeper significance to burdens. It implies that while difficulties and responsibilities can be heavy, they can also hold importance, even leading to spiritual growth or revealing divine presence. [2]

Romans 15:1 renders a similar charge to what we find in Galatians 6:2 when it reads, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” “This word bear properly means to ‘lift up,’ to ‘bear away,’ to ‘remove.’ But here it is used in a larger sense; ‘to bear with, to be indulgent to, to endure patiently…” (Barnes’ Notes). 

While weak and sickly Christians have a responsibility to participate in their own recuperation, stronger Christians likewise have a responsibility to rescue fallen brethren. James 5:19-20 declares, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” [3]

First, we want to establish carrying each other’s burdens in this context has more to do with spiritual dynamics than anything else.  This is part of the discipleship journey.  It can be tiresome and arduous, but to stand alongside someone as they grow in Christ Is a beautiful thing to experience. 

How do we get to a better spot?

We want to bring up three things that may be hindering us from living this out in our lives. 

Three things that hinder a Biblical understanding of carrying one another’s burdens. 

1.    Time

2.    Retribution Principle

3.    Trust

We have recognized a core issue many of us have and that’s having too much on our plates thus hindering the time we spend in devotion to God and each other.  It’s as if the tension can be felt in the air though whenever deeper devotion to God and to each other is mentioned due to the business of our schedules. 

When we say yes to something, we inevitably say no to something else.  Time is the one element we cannot get back and is our most valuable asset.  It is also the one thing we say that we do not have enough of.  An area that we really want to grow in is deeper devotion to God and to each other, but if we already don’t feel like we have enough time, it’s may seem impossible to consider more devotion.

This evening we are going to do things a bit differently by breaking up into small groups a few times, s take a minute now and establish a group.

Discuss:

How do you feel about your time and time management?

Is there anything you can do in order to create more flexibility in your schedule?

Share any creative ideas about time management you may have implemented into your own life to create better balance.

Retribution Principle

To bear one another's burdens is to compassionately partner with others in their struggles, fears, and hardships. This partnership acknowledges that we are not isolated beings navigating life alone; rather, we are interconnected, each of us carrying our own burdens while also participating in the burdens of others. Such a perspective fosters community and belonging, where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. It creates a safe space for vulnerability and healing, where transparency allows for mutual support and encouragement. This part of discipleship sounds amazing, but the process done well is flat out difficult.

This understanding of reciprocity in relationships also highlights the dance of grace that characterizes our relationship with God. Grace is not a one-way street; it is a flowing exchange that invites us into a dynamic interaction with the Divine. When we extend grace to others by bearing their burdens, we become conduits of God's love and mercy. In turn, we experience the outpouring of His grace in our own lives, leading to a richer understanding of joy and peace that transcends mere happiness.

Covenant Theology: (reformed view)

The retribution principle is viewed in the light of God’s covenants with humanity. The blessings and curses outlined in the Mosaic Covenant illustrate how obedience to God brings blessings, while disobedience leads to punishment, emphasizing a relational aspect between God and His people.

(consequences, yes, but is it God doing the punishing?)

Biblical Understanding :

The Hebraic understanding of bearing one another's burdens is deeply rooted in the concept of chesed, translated as loving-kindness or steadfast love. This term encompasses a commitment to act in love and mercy, reflecting the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people. In the context of community, this means that when we bear one another’s burdens, we are engaging in a sacred act that mirrors God’s own unwavering commitment to us. This act of shared responsibility is not only a fulfillment of a command but also a pathway to deeper joy and peace.

Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?  Romans 2:4

Discussion:

Are there any areas of your life that are seen through a retributive understanding?

Why could it be hard to let go of retribution thinking?

What challenges do we face trusting that love and mercy can lead people to a deeper devotion to Jesus?

Trust:

In the upside-down kingdom of God, the values of self-sacrifice and covenantal relationships stand in stark contrast to the self-motivated and self-driven ways of the world. The world often promotes individualism and personal gain, where the burdens of others may be seen as inconveniences or distractions. However, the Kingdom of Heaven calls us to a radically different approach: one that prioritizes the needs of others above our own. Jesus exemplified this selflessness perfectly, laying down His life for humanity. In doing so, He demonstrated that true joy and peace are found not in the accumulation of personal accolades or possessions, but in the willingness to invest in the lives of others.

The act of bearing burdens is transformative. It fosters healing not only for the one receiving support but also for the one offering it. As we engage in this reciprocal dance of grace, we find ourselves growing in compassion, empathy, and understanding. We begin to see the world through the lens of shared humanity, recognizing that every person’s struggle reflects our collective journey.

Moreover, this process of bearing burdens aligns with God's heart for creation. By engaging in acts of solidarity and support, we participate in the divine mission of fostering wholeness and healing. This is not limited to individual relationships; it extends to our communities, societies, and the world at large. As we embody the principles of the Kingdom—self-sacrifice, love, and service—we contribute to a larger narrative of redemption that God is writing throughout history.

In the Hebraic view, the struggles of life are part of the process of God’s grace.  I am weak because all men are weak.  I falter because every human heart falters.  If I were the perfect person that I pretend to be, I would not need God and I would not need you.  When Paul tells us to bear each other’s burdens, he is advocating a view of life as it is, filled with faults and frustrations.

Discussion questions:

What are the challenges of trusting the process of exposing the messiness to lead to a place of restoration and healing?

Share a testimony of how someone has gracefully walked along side you, and how that has led you to more freedom and a deeper devotion to Jesus?

Final thoughts: Fulfilling the law of Christ...