Persevering in Doing Good Without Losing Heart

Daily Devotional Galatians 6:9

Galatians 6:9 exhorts believers, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” This instruction is not motivational rhetoric but apostolic command. Written under inspiration in the first century C.E., Paul addresses Christians facing opposition, internal pressures, and the constant pull of the flesh. The exhortation recognizes that faithful obedience in a hostile world can lead to discouragement. Yet surrender is not an option for those walking the path of salvation.

The phrase “doing good” encompasses all righteous conduct aligned with the will of God. Earlier in Galatians 6, Paul speaks of bearing one another’s burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). He contrasts sowing to the flesh with sowing to the Spirit (Galatians 6:8). To sow to the Spirit means to live according to the Spirit-inspired Word, producing moral fruit consistent with God’s standards. Galatians 5:22–23 lists love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are cultivated through disciplined obedience, not mystical infusion.

Growing weary is a real danger. The Greek term conveys exhaustion and loss of resolve. In spiritual warfare, fatigue arises from persistent resistance against sin, sustained evangelistic effort, and enduring opposition from a world under Satan’s influence (1 John 5:19). Yet Scripture consistently commands endurance. Hebrews 12:3 urges believers to consider Christ “so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” He endured hostility, humiliation, and execution in 33 C.E., yet remained obedient to the Father’s will.

The promise of reaping introduces the principle of divine justice and future reward. Scripture affirms that actions have consequences. “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). For the faithful, the harvest is eternal life, not an inherent possession but a gift granted by God. Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eternal life is granted to those who persevere in obedience, not to those who abandon the path.

“In due time” underscores God’s sovereign timing. The harvest does not occur immediately. Farmers labor patiently, trusting the natural processes established by God. James 5:7 draws upon this imagery: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” The Christian life demands similar patience. Immediate results are not promised; faithful endurance is commanded.

The conditional phrase “if we do not give up” removes complacency. Salvation is described as a path. Jesus said, “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Abandonment of faithful obedience forfeits the promised harvest. Therefore, perseverance is not optional; it is essential. This does not promote legalism but reflects the biblical reality that genuine faith expresses itself through ongoing obedience (James 2:17).

Practically, this verse calls believers to steadfast evangelism, moral integrity, generosity, and service. Galatians 6:10 continues, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Goodness is not selective or sporadic. It is habitual and deliberate. Even when unrecognized or opposed, righteous conduct remains worthwhile because Jehovah observes and records it.

Spiritual fatigue must be countered by renewed focus on the promises of God. Psalm 126:5–6 affirms that those who sow in tears will reap with joyful shouting. Though difficulties arise from human imperfection, demonic opposition, and a corrupt world, Jehovah’s justice prevails. The coming reign of Christ, inaugurated at His return before the thousand-year rule, guarantees that faithful endurance will not be wasted.

Galatians 6:9 strengthens believers to continue sowing righteousness. Weariness is confronted with hope; discouragement is answered with promise. The harvest is certain for those who persist. Jehovah’s faithfulness ensures that obedience today yields life tomorrow.

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