Verse of the Day — Galatians 6:9
Gal 6:9 (ESV) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
This scripture applies to all of us, especially those heavily committed to ministry. The temptation to give up and quit, either because the road is too hard or the efforts seem to be fruitless is an ever-present voice. Paul is suggesting that the way to confront this is to remind ourselves of a principle — the principle of sowing and reaping.
This principle was outlined two verses previously (v. 7): “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (ESV). All the good that we do are actually seeds that we sow. The harvest comes in two directions. In the next verse Paul contrasts those who sow to the flesh and those who sow to the Spirit. The former brings a harvest of corruption while the latter brings life.
This allows us to see that like gives birth to like. It isn’t just about sowing money to get money. It is about sowing to the Spirit. This means that when we give as a spiritual act, we should reap a life-giving harvest. Every sacrificial gift that you have made of your time, money, knowledge, effort and strength to bless the kingdom of God will bring a harvest. Don’t stop “doing good”. The harvest will come.
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One doesn’t need to be a farmer to know that the reaping does not happen overnight. This verse assures us that “in due season we will reap”. The Greek expression used here is KAIROS IDIOS (καιρὸς ἴδιος), meaning ‘its own time’. This means that the time period for the maturing differs with every seed and ground. It isn’t for us to necessarily know when that is. We are to trust that God is in control. The other inference we can draw is that our receiving is contingent upon our not giving up. Endurance is the key to the promise.
The Greek word translated as “give up” is ekluo (ἐκλύω). Literally meaning “to lose out”, it carries two contrasting definitions. Positively, it means to be set free. Negatively, it means to have absolutely nothing left in reserve. Think of a balloon being untied, allowing all its air to rapidly escape.
This specific word appears in the Greek Old Testament (Deu 20:3) to describe soldiers entering battle whose hearts, like that deflated balloon, have been completely emptied of courage. In the New Testament (Mat 15:32), it describes people collapsing from sheer exhaustion during a long wilderness journey.
These powerful images may mirror exactly what you are experiencing today. You might be weary from a seemingly endless, desert-like journey, desperate to reach your destination or find a temporary oasis. Alternatively, you might feel drained and empty from the battles raging around you, longing for a peaceful respite to regain your strength.
Whichever the case, the Apostle Paul understands your pain. His life stands as an incredible model of perseverance. When Paul encourages us not to grow weary, his words come from a man who personally conquered intense, relentless bouts of discouragement.
Be Blessed
Dr. Chuck Day
