Bear One Another’s Burdens...

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.—Galatians 6:2

I knew what bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ  meant, but I never thought about why Paul would be saying it in the context of the book of Galatians.  The Judaizers (legalists) were distorting the true Gospel of Christ by adding to it the requirements of the law as prerequisites for salvation. They were destroying grace and burdening the people with that which Christ died to set them free.  Paul is saying, in effect, if you want to fulfill the law, then love the people God has placed in your life by helping them then bear their burdens...this fulfills the law because this is love and love (Christ) embodies and fulfills the whole law.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."—John 13:34-35

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.—Philippians 2:3-4

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.  See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.—1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.—Galatians 6:9-10