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I. WE MUST TAKE THIS TEXT INTO THE SPHERE OF REALISM. Trouble is not to be treated sentimentally, curiously, inquisitively, but practically Reach out a heart of love and a hand of help to your brother man, not only touching his burden, but bearing it, so that it becomes a matter of prayerful thought, tender remembrance, and gracious kindness.

II. THIS IS TO BE DONE WITH GREAT TACT AND DELICACY OF FEELING. Seek never to lower a brother's honour, while helping his need.

III. WE MUST DO THIS AS THE LAW OF LIFE. There is nothing "occasional" in the Christen spirit. Separate actions do not make good men.

IV. WE MUST LOOK AT THIS GREAT TEACHING ALONG THE LINE OF TRUE SOCIAL ECONOMY. Help those who are trying to help themselves.

V. CULTIVATE A TENDER SENSE OF BROTHERHOOD. In sympathising with, and bearing one another's burdens, we realize the great fact that we shall have burdens to bear ourselves. So we shall. Those who have most, often say least about them. But God intends these trials to prepare us for Christian service. Every experience brings with it the power of bearing a burden.

(W. M. Statham.)

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KJV: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

WEB: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.