Bible Study Verses—Galatians 6:1-5 (NKJV)—Brothers, if a man is overtaken in any sin, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
During a recent missions trip to Philippines, I visited The Rock-Corregidor Island, the site of General MacArthur’s landing and departure in WW2. Very interesting to me was the statue pictured above. Known as Brothers in Arms, this 10’ bronze statue by Manuel Casas stands in the Filipino-American Friendship Park. It is a tribute to the joint co-operation, fighting, suffering and sacrifices of two nationalities of men striving for freedom. Our guide told us of a similar statue in the US, portraying a Filipino soldier, holding up an American, whereas this statue is the American holding up the Filipino. Interesting that each country wanted to honor the other, as the one holding them up.
Paul reminds believers that if/when one is overtaken (seized, held) by a sin or weakness, others are to seek the mending and restoration of that person, remembering that all of us are capable of their sin. To bear another’s burden is to lift, endure, sustain them through, carry their burden.
Life Tip—Daily cleansing and removal of our own sins (the log in our own eye), before trying to remove someone else’s speck, is the humble and safe way to really help a struggling brother. Bearing his burden, that is putting your shoulder under his (see Brothers in Arms above), indicates closeness and willingness to feel his pain, and do something to relieve his burden. Admitting your own weaknesses, and sharing how you conquered them, earns you the right to talk to him about his.
Field Tip—Never hunt alone. Always have a plan for evacuation of an injured partner. Carry necessary first aid equipment, and medicines. Check up on each other with radios, walkie-talkies, or by phone. Have a game sled in your vehicle, in case you need to haul out more than game.
