I meditated on Acts 15:22–35, which recounts how the leaders of the Jerusalem church sent a message to the believers in Antioch—many of whom were Gentiles—informing them of the council’s decision that Gentiles can be saved simply by believing in Jesus, without the need for circumcision or adherence to the Law of Moses. They said, “It seemed good to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements”. In other words, they asked them only to avoid a few of the sinful customs common among Gentiles.
When I thought about the word “burden,” I was reminded of what Paul said to the Galatians: “Carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2), and soon after, “Each one should carry their own load” (Gal. 6:5). Though similar in English, these two “burdens” are different words in the original Greek text. The first refers to a heavy load that one cannot carry alone, while the second describes a personal pack, like the backpack of a traveller or soldier—something essential and manageable. To the Jews, circumcision and ritual laws were extremely important, but for Gentile believers, these would have been unbearable burdens. Instead, the few things the apostles asked them to avoid were “necessary things” (v. 28)—helpful disciplines that would allow them to “do well if they kept themselves from these” (v. 29).
The letter sent by the Jerusalem leaders was described as a “message of encouragement” (v. 31). When the believers read it, they were filled with joy. The messengers, Judas and Silas, also “encouraged and strengthened the believers” (v. 32).
As I meditated on this passage, I reflected on what kind of life the Gospel calls us to live. Certainly, it is a life of holiness and purity—but not one marked by a critical or judgmental attitude, like the one Jesus warned against in the beginning of Matthew 7. Criticism assumes superiority and it often disguises condemnation as advice. But the Gospel calls us to something different. “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1) This is what it means to carry each other’s burdens and thus fulfill “the law of Christ”. “Love one another as I have loved you.” (Gal. 6:2)
Jesus Himself invited all who were weary and burdened to come to Him (Matt. 11:28). He then said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.” Though this involves correction and discipline, Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden light, because He is gentle and humble in heart. Even His correction carries the spirit of encouragement and comfort, not condemnation. That is why tax collectors, sinners, and prostitutes flocked to Jesus—they longed to hear His words. And it was His encouraging, gracious teaching that transformed their lives so profoundly.
The world today is full of harsh words—judgment, criticism, dismissal, and wounding speech. But God desires that we deliver messages of encouragement and comfort whenever we interact with people. He guides us onto the right path through constant encouragement and consolation. In my own life—in my conversations, teaching, preaching, and even in evangelism—I often sense how much I lack this spirit of encouragement. Whenever I speak or preach from a sense of superiority, the Holy Spirit immediately makes me uncomfortable. I need to learn more of this attitude that the Gospel requires. “Lord, please teach me more.”
