What does it mean that a man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7)?

Answer

In the initial verses of Galatians 6, Paul stresses that individuals are accountable for their actions and should show kindness when others stumble “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”, (Galatians 6:1). Beyond gentleness being a demonstration of love and fulfilling the law of Christ “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”, (Galatians 6:2), responding gently to others is a way to avoid trouble, as it helps us steer clear of being overly critical. While the passage urges readers to be mindful of others, it also states the principle that one reaps what they sow “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”, (Galatians 6:7). Therefore, although we should support each other by sharing burdens “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”, (Galatians 6:2), we are still responsible for carrying our own load “For every man shall bear his own burden.”, (Galatians 6:5).

In Galatians 6:7, Paul reminds readers that “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (NKJV). God is just and has established the principle of sowing and reaping in human life. Just as a farmer plants and nurtures seeds that eventually grow, similarly, whatever a person “plants” in their thoughts and actions, they will eventually harvest.

Good behavior will eventually yield results—either positive or negative. If an individual focuses on satisfying their physical desires and invests in them, they will harvest the consequences of that investment. Paul outlines these consequences in Galatians 5:19-21, and they are not favorable. Conversely, those who invest in spiritual matters will yield spiritual and beneficial outcomes in their lives. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”, (Galatians 6:8). Paul elaborates on how the Holy Spirit produces results in individuals and what these results entail (Galatians 5:22-23).

Paul introduces the truth that individuals will reap what they sow with a solemn caution: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked” “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”, (Galatians 6:7). Wise individuals will pay attention to their own actions and ensure they align with this principle. No one should believe they are exempt from this rule. The consequences follow the actions, and the quality of the actions matters. God examines the intentions and circumstances, and His decree that the harvest corresponds to the seed sown will not be overturned.

Furthermore, Paul elaborates on the idea that individuals will reap what they sow. In 1 Corinthians 3:8, he affirms that each person will receive a reward based on their own efforts. The significance does not lie solely with the planter or the waterer, as God is the one who brings about growth (1 Corinthians 3:7-8). Therefore, even when we are planting and watering diligently—foFocusing on the aspects related to our new life in Christ—it is still God who causes the growth. Even though God rewards the one who works, we acknowledge that our ability to work is also a gift from God. In essence, the principle that one reaps what they sow teaches both God’s justice and His mercy.

We can apply the concept of reaping what we sow to the topic of salvation. If we have not accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, then we are still spiritually dead, separated from a right relationship with God (see Ephesians 2:1-5). In that state, even our good deeds are like filthy rags compared to God’s standard of righteousness: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6). If we find ourselves in that condition, the truth that one reaps what they sow—”Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)—can be alarming because we are sowing in sin and death, leading to corresponding outcomes.

On the contrary, if God in His mercy has brought us to life with Christ through grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8-10), then we have the opportunity to sow seeds that lead to a new life. Through His grace, we can now invest in things of eternal significance and witness the growth of eternal value. The principle of reaping what we sow is not just about justice but also about God’s incredible mercy. God has not given us what we deserve; instead, in His astonishing grace, He has bestowed upon us what we did not deserve.

erve—the opportunity to plant the seed of righteousness so that we may reap the fruit of His righteousness in our lives.