Tag Archives: the book of Galatians

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

A few verses earlier in today’s scripture citation, we are reminded that we “reap what we sow.”

It is worth remembering that even while we are engaged in sowing “good seed” by doing good deeds, it takes a while before the planted seed sprouts; and longer still before the sprout matures and is ready for harvesting.

Particularly when we are doing the right thing, we want to see results.  Paul reminds us that the desired results will come but, in the meantime, we must not tire of doing good; and we must not grow weary as we wait for harvest time.

Sow.  Water.  Weed.  Fertilize (encourage).  Wait.  “At the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  – Luther

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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

Lending an ear, extending a hand, or offering your heart in sympathy to someone in need fulfills the law of Christ. Carrying someone else’s burden seems easy enough, but as they say: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

We are tempted to by-pass others in need for the same reasons that those who know not Jesus by-pass persons in need: Helping others takes time.  Bearing the burden of others requires us to be personally engaged.  For these, and related reasons, we decline to help.

The law of Christ is simply stated but broad in its application. Welcome every opportunity to be the friend to others that you would like others to be to you.  – Luther

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“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7, NKJV)

We need to beware of thinking — as most of the world does — that because we have “gotten by” that we have, “gotten away.”

We sin, but because we often do not immediately suffer the consequences of our sin, we think that we have gotten away with sinning.  This is akin to thinking that just because we have, somehow, avoided being pulled-over by the sheriff for exceeding the speed limit, that it is somehow okay to exceed the speed limit or that laws against speeding are never enforced.

Don’t be fooled. Unlike the sheriff in the illustration above, we shall have to answer to God for all of our transgressions.

God’s commandments are for our protection, and for our provision.

Just because we are successful in flouting God’s law does not mean that we are wise.  We shall be called to give a full and complete accounting, whether in joy because we have obeyed and Christ stands with us; or in tears, because we have sinned and have no Defender.  – Luther

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