Answer
Galatians 6:2 instructs believers to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (ESV). One of the themes of Galatians is that New Testament believers are no longer under the law, so what Paul does mean by the “law of Christ”?
The phrase law of Christ in Galatians 6:2 refers to the teachings of Jesus, especially His command to love others as He has loved us. This law is expressed by Jesus in John 13:34, where He says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (ESV). The law of Christ is not a set of legalistic rules but a principle of love that governs the life of a believer.
In contrast to the Mosaic Law, which focuses on external obedience to commandments, the law of Christ focuses on a heart transformed by the love of God. This transformation leads to a life characterized by selfless love and service to others. Paul’s reference to the “law of Christ” in Galatians 6:2 suggests that the fulfillment of this law is not about strict legalism but about embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Paul connects the law of Christ with the act of bearing one another’s burdens. This reflects the teaching that love is demonstrated through action. When we bear another’s burden, we come alongside that person in his struggles, offering support and helping him overcome sin or other challenges. This is a fulfilling of the law of Christ, as it mirrors how Jesus, in love, bore our burdens. The law of Christ is a call to action.
Matthew 11:28–30 provides insight into the concept of the law of Christ: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (ESV). Jesus’ offer to bear our burdens is the ultimate example of love. By following His example and loving others, we are called to help carry burdens as well.
The law of Christ is repeated throughout the New Testament, particularly in the emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law. In Romans 13:8–10, Paul writes, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments . . . are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law” (ESV). Here, Paul clarifies that the law of Christ fulfills the Mosaic Law.
Similarly, in James 2:8, the “royal law” is given as “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (ESV). James agrees with Paul that love, as expressed through practical care and concern for others, is central to fulfilling the law of Christ. The law of Christ requires an active love.
To fulfill the law of Christ, we must love others like Christ loves us. This involves a commitment to selflessness, compassion, and an active concern for the well-being of others. The law of Christ challenges us to move beyond words and engage in actions that reflect His heart. For example, Paul encourages believers, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3–4, ESV). In fulfilling the law of Christ, we put others first and seek their good above our own.
The law of Christ calls us to fellowship with other believers, bearing their burdens and supporting them in love. Hebrews 10:24–25 highlights the importance of church community: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (ESV). Fulfilling the law of Christ involves a commitment to encouraging and building up others within the body of Christ. It reminds us that we are not alone in this journey and that our church community helps us fulfill Christ’s law.
