“For each one shall bear his own load.”

Note the apparent contradiction between verse two and verse five. Verse two says, “Bear one another’s burdens…” This verse says, “For each one shall bear his own load.” Whenever we have antithetical statements in close proximity to one another, it is obvious the author did not intend to contradict himself. We shouldn’t see a contradiction when there is none.

Verse two concerns carrying someone else’s burden, while verse five concerns carrying a personal problem, a task no one can handle except the person involved. Verse five confirms verse four. Each of us will bear personal responsibility at the judgment seat of Christ.

For each one shall bear his own load.

The difference between “load” and “burden” (Galatians 6:2) is that “load” refers simply to something to be carried as personal responsibility, while “burden” refers to a heavy weight. “Burden” is something that is burdensome.

The word “own” indicates personal responsibility. Certain things we can share with others, but we must address personal issues between God and us alone. We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ alone.

“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written:

‘As I live, says the Lord,
Every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall confess to God.’

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:10-13).

In the military, each soldier must carry their own weapon. We must take personal, moral responsibility alone. However, when a soldier falls in battle, his fellow soldiers must come to assist him. 

The opposite of pride is not bogus self-abasement but an authentic examination of ourselves in the light of God’s Word. Legalism relies on overt and subjective tests, such as comparing ourselves to others, rather than on authentic or genuine examination. God wants us to test our own work rather than contrast it with that of others who are less worthy.

Principle:

Each believer is responsible for their spiritual production.

Application:

Where a spirit of censoriousness, malice, and bitterness prevails, there is no application of the principle of grace to self. It will be too late to correct this attitude at the judgment seat of Christ. There, every tub will sit on its own bottom. You will have no one to blame but yourself. Each believer is responsible for their spiritual production. We will not be able to blame others at the judgment seat of Christ.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad [worthless]” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

It is crucial that we allow the Lord to harness us while we still have our health and opportunity to serve Him. We need to come out of our religious reclusion. This isolation is a luxury that we cannot afford. Jesus will give us His report card one day. Some of our grades will be less than an “A.”

Allow God to make you a blessing to someone else. Have you lately tested yourself to ascertain whether you are a blessing rather than a curse?