Dear Church,
 
I have always wondered how Paul could urge the Galatians not to grow weary in doing good (Gal 6:9).  And then he double downs in Gal 6:10 on the same idea, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially those who are of the household of faith.”  How do we practice living in such a way that we won’t get weary in doing good? Does this happen as a natural outflow of our faith or does it need some kind of intentionality? 

The Bible says that we need to be good to others not just when the going is good, but also when the going is not so good, when there are conflicts and suffering.  Peter writes, “Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).  How about in a circumstance when we are wronged, surely in this case we have an option to not do good, do we?  No, Paul says, “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).  So, here is a good definition of a Christian, a Christian is a person who does good to everyone, no matter who.  So, the question is how we do not grow weary in doing good when we are challenged to do otherwise? 
 
One: We need to learn to draw our strength from God, from his word and through constant prayer. Most people try to live their Christian life on idea’s, concepts and Christian slogans and sermon bullet points but fail to dig deep into the word of God and be on their knees in prayer. When we embrace God with all our heart, God gives us the strength to not grow weary. Without the Holy Spirit strengthening us we grow weary.
 
Two: Doing good to all people without being weary comes with a promise. The promise is revealed in Gal 6:9, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Sometimes we experience weariness from our own sense of “due season”, like ok God, I am not experiencing anything in spite of the fact that I am doing good, what’s going on?  Then weariness creeps in.  We need to understand that God’s timings are always impeccable. If you and I are genuinely doing good, on God’s terms – selflessly, even if you are discouraged by the results, God’s promises stand and you will reap in due season.

Be Encouraged,
Mathews