Galatians 6:9-10
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
In chapter five, Paul encouraged the Galatians to serve one another through love (v13) and to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh (v16). Paul expands on this exhortation in Galatians 6 by giving some practical instruction. In our verses today, Paul is again encouraging the Galatians to continue living in the Spirit. I want to look deeper at his encouragement by focusing on the word ‘weary’ and the phrase ‘doing good.’
When I think of being weary, I think back to parenting a newborn and an active toddler. One wouldn’t sleep for more than two hours and the other quit napping and woke up every morning at 5:30am! I was TIRED and exhausted from the constant work of parenting little ones. The Greek word, ekkakeo, used here, doesn’t mean to be worn out and tired from labor. Instead, it means “to lose heart; to be utterly spiritless; to be exhausted or to lose courage or to be discouraged”. It means to be discouraged to the point of quitting. This is different from the weariness from sleep deprivation. Paul is encouraging the Galatians not to give up or quit.
This leads me to the second phrase, ‘doing good.’ On it’s face, the word good seemed vague to me and I initially skimmed over it. However, in the Greek it expresses anything beautiful, good, or excellent. This reminds me of Paul’s words to the Philippians,
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
It sounds to me that Paul is saying that doing good equals walking in the Spirit. In summary, Paul is telling the Galatians do not quit and they will reap the benefits of living in the Spirit. The same applies to us today!
Recently, I found myself weary to the point of discouragement. Fears of COVID-19, political and social unrest, and the busyness of life had me discouraged. After I shared my concerns with my small group, I was reminded I am not alone. I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30,
“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.”
God’s word, along with the encouragement and prayer from my small group, my husband, and other Christian friends help to remind me…Mindy DO NOT quit!
Thank goodness Paul’s encouragement to the Galatians to not quit applies to us today! God’s word, prayer, and Christian relationships encourage us to continue to live out walking in the Spirit. Maybe it is something simple like a smile, a phone call or text, being kind to someone, or reminding a friend of God’s promises. I encourage you today, do not quit living and loving like Jesus!
- Is there an area of my life where I am losing heart or feeling like quitting (relationship, marriage, finances)? Which promise of God can remind me to keep going today? What relationships hold me accountable?
- How can I keep on “doing good” today? How can I remind someone else of Jesus’ love today?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
A big thanks to Mindy Jordan for today’s devotional thought!
Mindy leads the women’s life group that meets on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm.
