Question: Preacher, I am confused. The Bible says bear one another’s burdens and each shall bear his own burden. Is this a contradiction?

Answer: The passages to which you refer are Galatians 6:2 and 6:5. The confusion comes from the fact that the KJV translates two different Greek words with the same word, "burden." In the first passage, the Greek word used refers to heavy weight that weighs a person down. In the second passage, the Greek word used refers to a load one is expected to carry. It was used in military contexts for a man’s pack or a soldier’s kit. Thus, in the first passage, Paul teaches that we ought to help each other with the things life heaps upon us that are difficult to deal with. In the second passage, he teaches us that each Christian has a responsibility, and he or she must fulfill that responsibility. This does not suggest that Christians cannot work together in fulfilling their responsibilities, but it warns against any not doing his or her fair share. Here is a balance between helpfulness and responsibility that makes for a better world. Let’s pursue it!