Galatians 6:4-5 reads,
“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.”
An individual saint with family responsibilities was expected to bear the burdens and care associated with that relationship. Paul warned about those who failed to take that responsibility and the repercussions of it. 1Timothy 5:4-8 reads,
“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She, who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This is an example of bearing your own burden. Verse 16 adds, “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.” The translated word here is “church” and with it, you can’t help but think of the local church organization. But, we are simply referring to the called-out saints. In other words, individuals must take care of their own burdens. It is their responsibility to accept the responsibility of those under their care. It is their burden to fulfill because if they don’t, they are not only described as being worse than an infidel, but they place an unnecessary burden on other Christians in the community of believers. The phrase, “let not the church be charged” refers to placing a burden on the called out, i.e., the other saints living among you. The ekklesia is not the local church organization. The ekklesia is composed of individual saints. The charge is to not have other fellow-Christians taking care of your children because you will not do it. In other words, Paul is telling them not to burden other saints with their obligations.