And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. —Galatians 6:9-10
Weariness and fatigue are frequent, common realities, especially in these troubled times. We are told in this week’s verses to not grow weary. Why? Because there will be fruit that comes from our efforts: “we will reap if we do not give up.”
But How?
But how do we not give up? Look to Jesus for motivation (Hebrews 12:1-3). He loved and served others (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). He is not only our example, but He has given us His Spirit to enable and empower us for the good He calls us to do (Galatians 5:22-23). Too often we act without consulting Him (prayer) or relying on (trusting in) Him (Psalm 20:7). We lack power to endure when we trust in our own strength. But if we look to Christ, He will guide and refresh us by His Word. He will grant us rest when we wait on Him and strength for the season of harvest (Isaiah 40:28-31).
What To Do?
God’s call on our lives is to take the opportunities He gives us to do good and to show kindness and love (Romans 12:9-18). And it is often the small things that matter far more than we would expect:
the encouraging email, text, or card that is sent
the meal provided for someone going through a tough time
the visit you can make to check on a neighbor or isolated friend
the listening ear when a friend is discouraged
Showing love to others reflects what Jesus did. It is what He calls us to do— loving our neighbors as we love ourselves (Romans 13:9-10, Matthew 7:12, Galatians 6:2). We are called to do good in many ways (Psalm 125:4, Psalm 34:14, 1 Peter 3:11, Luke 6:7, Micah 6:8). But let us always remember that doing good works can never earn favor with God. Salvation is a free gift because of the work done by Jesus on the cross. He took the punishment we deserved so we could live the life He wants to give us—full of abundance and good. We only need to trust Him for the salvation He offers. Then the good we do is the fruit of the life we now have in Him (Ephesians 2:8-10).
So, we are to work heartily for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), and be encouraged! He has promised the work we do in His name will not be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Moreover, because God is able to provide us with all we need, we will be able to “abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). He will reward us with hearts full of joy and praises that glorify Him (Hebrews 13:16).
For Reflection
Pray for God to open your eyes to the opportunities around you to do good to others.
Plan time in your schedule to connect with people and meet some real needs. Think through who might need encouragement or a helping hand, and make arrangements to do what you can.
Plead with God to use you effectively in the lives of others for their good and His glory (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12).