“So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.6.9-10.NLT
What does it look like for you and me to approach each day with the focus of being good to everyone we live, work, worship, pray, play, eat, shop, travel, and do business with?
Why is it important to pay particular attention to opportunities to do good for those in the family of faith?
Reflection
Paul is pointing out that we can and do get tired of doing good for others. He is reminding us not to give up on treating people well, no matter how frustrating a season can become in any relationship.
This is especially true with other followers of Christ. We set high expectations for each other as we follow Christ, and we easily become frustrated when others do not live up to our vision for them.
We are not to give up on each other, just as Christ has not given up on us:
- “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2 NLT.
- “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:2-5 NLT.
- “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:35-36 NLT.
Encouragement
At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Is there someone you need to persevere in doing good to?
Let your purpose today be to do good to everyone who is part of your journey.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
We confess there are times when we do want to give up doing good. We are capable of running out of patience with each other. An unhelpful level of intensity easily replaces gentleness.
You know all of this about us. Thank you.
You also ask that we not give up in doing good for everyone. You ask us to be especially mindful of your followers. Please help us be faithful to this every day.
Thank you for the encouragement: At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell