How much weight should you carry? According to research done by the University of Iowa Health Care, the average person should not carry more than 10% of their weight[1]. For example, if you weighed 200 pounds, you should not carry more than 20 pounds. When we attempt to carry more than we should, it can lead to an array of problems.
In Galatians 6:2, Paul says that we should help bear the burdens of others. Paul uses the word “burdens” (baros) to indicate a weight that is excessive or too heavy to carry. He says that we should help others “bear” (bastazō) the excessive burden. To bear another’s burdens simply means to help carry something. When we help other believers carry their excessive burdens, we fulfill the commandment Christ gave to love one another (see John 13:34).
“Instead of standing off at a distance and criticizing, we should fly to the side of a brother in trouble or distress and help him in every possible way.”[2]
We are not meant to carry every burden alone. Do you know someone you can help bear their burden? Do you have one that someone could help you with?
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] https://uihc.org/health-topics/your-backpack-too-heavy. Accessed 09/2022. [2] William MacDonald. The Bible Believer’s Commentary.