Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
“Doing good” is the main theme of this passage, especially in light of the words found in Gal. 6:10 which instructs the reader to do good to all people as we have opportunity. The Word instructs us to do good. As believers in God and students of His Word this is something we should always do.
Doing good is not always easy. We may be tired. Perhaps we are worried about something, whether it be a trivial matter or one of great significance. At times we are self-centered, thus making it nearly impossible to take action to do good unto others. We can be trapped in thinking that doing good must include grandeur such as giving someone $1,000, buying them a new car, or paying their child’s annual tuition. Sometimes we fail to see that doing good includes examples such as raking a yard full of leaves, calling someone and praying for them, or asking the server at the restaurant you are dining in how their day has been.
We should walk in faith continually with our eyes fixed on God who is the source of our strength. If we find ourselves weary, perhaps we should examine our motives for doing good. Is it possible we are expecting something in return for our actions; a pat on the back, money, or something else? We should do good simply because we want to please God.
This passage tells us that in doing good we will reap a harvest at the proper time if we do not give up. But this is not a reason to do good. This is a reward from the LORD. We should obey God because we love Him and desire to keep His commands, not because we fear the consequences for not obeying Him. Likewise, we should do good simply because His Word instructs us to do so; not so we will receive a reward.
We should be diligent in examining our lives and ask ourselves why we are doing good. Do we do good to gain fame or more income? Do we do good to receive a tax write off? Do we do good simply because others around us are doing so, or are our hearts and actions genuinely pure?
In 1 Cor. 15:58 (NKJV), the apostle Paul also instructs us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” HE is the driving force behind our “doing good” and we should always stand firm and not be weary which easily leads to defeat. While others directly benefit from our actions of doing good, let us do so to bring honor to God, our Rock and our Redeemer.
Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC
Doing good has long been something of a family credo in my family. From a young age, I watched my grandfather mow lawns in our neighborhood, or doing other odd jobs and repairs that they either couldn’t do, or couldn’t afford to pay others for. As I entered my teens, I began to work alongside him in his “ministry.” Once, during a local flood, I helped procure a motorboat and assisted residents to higher ground. To say he inspired me would be an understatement. For years, I carried a winch and jumper cables in my truck and I would lookout for stranded motorists stuck in mud or snow, or in need of a hotshot. I believe that my grandfather did his works of service to honor God. In the beginning, I wanted to honor my grandfather and our family reputation. Only later did I come to realize that my good worksl were my reasonable service to Christ.
Hi Brother Mike. This is a great testimony and very encouraging. Thank you for sharing.
I believe one aspect of our calling to live like a Christian is to do good. God wants us to be a source of light to the world, as He is the Father of lights. We are to look for opportunities to bless, encourage, pray , help or disciple someone. A pat on the back, a smile, assisting a neighbor are all ways of doing good. Personally, it gives me joy, inner peace, warmth when I do good, and it is a way of demonstrating my faith through my actions. When we sow good, not expecting, but it comes back to us . Amen.
Thanks for sharing, Beatrice. We have opportunities to do good every day. It does feel nice doing good unto others. Imagine how God feels when He blesses us with His goodness.
Michael thank you sharing this. My wife and I live across the street from two professed lesbians they are in their late 70s and are cordial with us and us with them. Two years ago we had an ice storm and I used a spade shovel to clear their driveway yesterday had 9 inches of snow and I cleared their driveway, they came out and they asked me. Why are you doing this? You’re such a sweet man, I tell them I am a servant ofGod and through conversation, I find out they Presbyterian and they go to church, but they’re missing the message.
Through conversation I got to share the message of Jesus the message to care for one another love for one another and in all circumstances.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That’s a wonderful testimony you shared. My pastor calls that “being Jesus with skin on.” Our actions with no fanfare can lead to questions which your neighbors asked you. Then that leads to witnessing. Praise the Lord! Maybe one day they will come to the Lord. I know because of my history that a church can’t save you. Only Jesus does!