Bible Contradiction?

There are many places in the Bible where people sometimes claim contradiction.  There are no contradictions but only variances that require our closer understanding.  Here we will look at one such matter that could raise question. 

In Galatians 6 we see where we are to bear our own burdens and to bear one another's burdens.  That certainly sounds like a contradiction.  Let's look closer. 

In verse 2 we read, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."  This is another way of saying that we need to put others ahead of ourselves.

Then we read, "But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For each one shall bear his own load."

It seems obvious that these two situations can exist without contradiction.  Yes, we are to be responsible for ourselves, to look at our own work, to "bear our own load."  But further than that, we are to be concerned for others, helping them as well, giving their needs priority.  In doing so, we are fulfilling "the law of Christ." 

No one was more selfless than our Lord.  And this was His teaching, His "law"; we are to bear the burdens of others.  There are certainly important lessons for each of us in this teaching, lessons that show us how to better live our lives....and to be true followers of Christ.

There are no contradictions, only passages that require our further understanding.  Let us revere the Word of God, the Bible.  Thanks for reading.  All the best to you.