Verse of the Day Devotion: Galatians 6:9

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” – Galatians 6:9   

Adam Clarke, a British Methodist theologian and Biblical scholar said the following in His commentary on this passage in Galatians.  “Well-doing is easier in itself than ill-doing; and the danger of growing weary in the former arises only from the opposition to good in our own nature, or the outward hinderances we may meet with from a gainsaying and persecuting world.”  I have found this to be very true in my own life.   First of all, I do not desire to do what is wrong.  Unfortunately, I at times do things I really do not want to do; things I need to ask forgiveness for, and these are the things that I find hard to accept in myself.  Doing good is my heart’s desire, that being spreading the gospel, teaching the Word of God, encouraging someone who is down, discipling Christians, helping the poor and needy, and other things.  These good acts themselves, as Adam Clarke says, is easier to do.  However, it is the enemy which makes me weary in these things, both from tempting me to do something rather than serving God by serving His people, and by the negativity and harsh rhetoric against the truth of God.

However, we must never back down from doing good simply because others do not like, and actually hate what we do and who we are.  Paul did better for the cause of Christ than the vast majority of Christians, even though he suffered for it.  Let’s look at a few verses.  “Are they servants of Christ? I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.  Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.  Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.  This is a huge list; however, Paul was willing to go beyond this.  “And coming to us, he (Agabus) took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:11-13.  Paul was not going to stop doing good simply because Rome and the Religious leaders persecuted, tortured and worked to kill him.  He was probably physically tired, but He never wearied of doing the Lord’s work.

And why?  Let’s look at the second part of our focus verse.  “For in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9b.  In the end, no matter what happens to us here, if we do not grow weary of doing good, we will receive our reward, which will be infinitely greater than our sufferings.  That does not mean we do it for the reward, but we do it because we love the Lord.  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24.  We are to do all we do in service to the Lord.  And what is the promised reward, our inheritance.  “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:16-17.

So, in conclusion, do not weary in doing good, no matter what that good is.  He has called all of us who are Christians to do His work, not necessarily the same work, but His work, nonetheless.  Do not tire of doing this work and end up stopping.  When you begin to feel this way, remember that God will reward us for all the work we do according to His calling.  When comparing the weight of His work and the coming reward, there is no comparison. William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.