What does it mean to not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9)?

Answer

After encouraging the believers in Galatia and warning them about things to avoid in (Galatians 5:1—6:8), Paul may have known they could feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of the Christian life. Therefore, he motivates them with the words of verse 9: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Paul, possibly more than anyone else, understood how exhausting the spiritual battle can be. He concludes his warnings about sin, the works of the flesh, and the deceitfulness of the world by urging the Galatians, and all believers, to keep in mind the joyful harvest they will reap if they persist in doing good. “So then,” Paul continues in the following verse, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” «As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. », (Galatians 6:10).

We all understand the importance of doing good and avoiding evil. Paul has just outlined the works of the flesh (which involve doing evil) and the fruit of the Spirit (which leads to doing good) in Galatians 5:19–26. Doing good requires yielding to the Spirit and displaying the fruit He produces—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When these qualities prevail in our lives, doing good becomes the natural outcome.

We require this encouragement to avoid growing weary in doing good because “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” «Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. »,

(Mark 14:38). Considering our own natural weakness and the opposition of evil spirits and evil individuals, the noble intentions of doing good can easily be derailed. Christians often feel overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done, believing it to be impossible to accomplish everything. There are numerous needs, demands on our time, energy, and finances, and frequently there is ingratitude among those we seek to help, leading to exhaustion and discouragement. Acting rightly is challenging in a sinful world, particularly when it appears that no one acknowledges our efforts and there is little reward for our troubles. Is it worthwhile to serve the Lord? Paul affirms, “Yes!”

Becoming weary in doing good is a constant risk in the Christian journey. However, there are steps we can take to reduce weariness. Jesus set aside times for rest, and we should do the same «And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. », (Mark 6:31). Overcommitting ourselves is a primary cause of weariness among Christians. We are eager to contribute and reciprocate God’s love by dedicating ourselves to ministry for His glory, risking burnout. Discernment is crucial. God will supply for each need He intends to fulfill. Ultimately, He is in control of everything. Not a single sparrow falls without His knowledge «Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. », (Matthew 10:29). He will arrange the means to achieve His purposes. Sometimes, all He desires from the overcommitted is for them to quiet their hearts and be still before Him (Psalm 46:10;cf: Luke 10:41).

Paul directs our focus beyond our toils to the reward at the end: those who persevereHere in doing good, we are promised to reap rewards. When we become disheartened, the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit brings relief and gratitude to our hearts and glory to God. Just like the sower of seed must wait for the harvest, the Christian must wait patiently for the rewards that will inevitably come from the Giver of all good things «Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. », (James 1:17). We will not give up because our Lord is faithful. “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” «Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.», (1 Corinthians 15:58).