The word "burdens" in our opening scripture comes from Greek word baros which means weights or loads that weighs one down. Carrying ones another's burden therefore entail helping each in times of difficult and challenges. There may be situations which try to weigh down on your brethren in Christ. We are guided to support one another through such times. By this you lighten the burden on the brethren. This you do in praying with each other, encouraging each other with God's word and sometimes in giving material and financial support. Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) says, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need". The Contemporary English Version rendering says, "A friend is there to help, in any situation, and relatives are born to share our troubles". Those born again are your real relatives just like the biological ones. In fact our spiritual relationship is greater because it transcends this present time and age. The Brenton Septuagint Translation says, "Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born". The Good News Translation uniquely poses a thought provoking question, "Friends always show their love. What are relatives for if not to share trouble?"

Don't allow your brothers or sister suffers while you watch and do nothing. Philippians 2:4 (NCV) admonishes us, "Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others". Take genuine interest in the welfare of your brethren. See yourself as a God-given advantage that they have in their lifetime. When you live this way our anchor scripture indicates that you fulfil the law of Christ. What is the law of Christ? In John 13:34-35 Jesus elucidates this law, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The support you render to your brethren is a demonstration of your love which is shed aboard in your heart by the Holy Spirit. Let the divine love flow from you to those around you always.