Day 23 — Carry Each Other’s Burdens

“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

— Galatians 6:2 (BSB)

When the Israelites were in the desert, an army called the Amalekites attacked them. Joshua led the soldiers into battle. Moses went up on a hill overlooking the battle, holding up the staff of God in his hands.

Something amazing happened. As long as Moses held his hands up, Israel was winning. But whenever he got tired and lowered his hands, the enemy started winning.

The battle went on and on. Moses’ arms got heavier and heavier. He couldn’t keep them up any longer.

So two men, Aaron and Hur, did something simple. They found a stone for Moses to sit on. Then they stood on either side of him and held up his arms, one on each side, until the sun went down. And Israel won the battle (Exodus 17:8–13).

Moses couldn’t do it alone. He needed friends to hold up his arms.

That’s what Paul means: “Carry one another’s burdens.” A burden is something heavy. It might be something you can see, like a heavy box. But usually it’s something inside: sadness, worry, stress, a hard situation, a problem that feels too big.

Everyone carries burdens sometimes. And God never meant for us to carry them alone. That’s one reason He put us in families and in the church, so we can help carry each other’s loads.

How can you carry someone’s burden?

• Notice. Pay attention when someone seems sad, stressed or quiet.
• Ask. “Are you okay?” or “Is something wrong?”
• Listen. Sometimes people just need someone to hear them.
• Pray. Pray for them, and maybe even with them.
• Help. Do something practical, like helping with homework, bringing a meal or doing a chore for them.
• Stay. Be there, even if you don’t know what to say.

And remember: it’s okay to let others carry your burdens too! If you’re struggling, tell someone. Letting others help you is part of being in God’s family.

Paul says that when we carry each other’s burdens, we “fulfill the law of Christ,” which is to love one another the way He loved us.

Think about it: Is there someone in your life who is carrying a heavy burden right now? How could you help “hold up their arms”?

Try this: Ask someone today, “How are you really doing?” and listen carefully to their answer. Then pray for them.

Dear God, thank You that I don’t have to carry my burdens alone. Help me notice when others are carrying something heavy, and help me carry it with them. And help me let others help me when I need it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.