The verse Galatians 6:9 says “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” This verse encourages us to persist in doing good works and not lose heart, because there is an eternal reward awaiting us if we endure. Here is an in-depth look at what it means to not grow weary in doing good:
1. Doing good requires effort and sacrifice
Doing good is not easy. It requires us to go out of our way to serve others, be generous, care for the needy, and engage in acts of love and compassion. This takes time, effort, sacrifice and intentionality. We have many excuses and reasons to avoid doing good – being too busy, lacking resources, fearing rejection, not getting credit, etc. But Galatians 6:9 challenges us to push past these excuses.
Jesus said that doing good to others is tantamount to doing good to him (Matthew 25:40). But he never said it would be easy. He calls us to take up our cross daily and follow him (Luke 9:23), which implies sacrifice and struggle. The apostle Paul said he died daily for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:31). Doing good is a life of self-denial just as Jesus exemplified.
2. Doing good can be draining and discouraging
Persisting in doing good works can be physically, emotionally and spiritually draining after a while. We may feel like our efforts are going unnoticed or unappreciated. The needs around us may seem endless while our time and resources are limited. We wonder if we’re really making a lasting impact. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, cynicism and discouragement. We get weary of actively doing good.
Think of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. After confronting the prophets of Baal, he fell into deep despair and wanted to die, feeling his efforts had been pointless (1 Kings 19:4). Or Moses, who grew tired of leading Israel’s complaining in the wilderness, prompting God to send 70 elders to help him (Numbers 11:14-17). Doing good is hard work and can test our patience and endurance over the long haul.
3. We live in a broken world that resists good
Not only is doing good hard work, but we do it in the context of a fallen world that often rejects and opposes acts of love and righteousness. When we try to correct social evils and spread the light of Christ, we face indifference, hostility and persecution. The moral darkness pushes back.
Jesus explained that the world hated him first, so we should expect similar treatment (John 15:18-20). Paul said “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Doing good frequently runs against the grain and meets resistance. Over time, this too can wear us down and tempt us to retreat from shining God’s light in dark places.
4. We want to see the fruits of our labors
When we expend time and effort doing good works, it’s only natural to hope we’ll see some tangible results. Whether it’s changed lives, gratitude expressed, prayers answered, or goals achieved, we like affirmation that our labor was worthwhile. When we don’t see fruits as quickly as we expected, we become impatient and may be prone to give up too soon.
But Galatians 6:9 reminds us that the harvest may take time. We need to adopt a long-term perspective and wait patiently on God’s perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says “in the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper.” Keep sowing good seeds through good deeds, and trust God for the harvest in due time.
5. Holiness and devotion must be nurtured over a lifetime
Not only does each individual act of doing good take effort, but nurturing a lifestyle of active goodness and holiness requires lifelong perseverance and commitment. It’s not a short sprint but a lifelong marathon. We must keep walking steadily with God, maintaining spiritual disciplines, engaging in community, and opening ourselves to the Spirit’s guidance and power day after relentless day.
Proverbs 4:18 describes the path of the righteous as shining ever brighter until the full day. Our character and devotion are refined slowly over time as we continually seek God and serve others. We must stay the course, not relax our stride or lose focus. Doing good must become a daily way of life, not just sporadic events.
6. We live in “the present evil age” dominated by sin
Galatians 1:4 explains that Christ came to rescue us from “this present evil age.” We live in a fallen time still corrupted by sin with evil exerting great influence. Though good is advancing and the kingdom breaking through, evil maintains much sway and we are surrounded by sinful influences that would conform us back to the world.
Remaining unstained by the world and shining as lights (Phil 2:15) in such an environment takes great effort and discipline. We grow weary of constant moral vigilance, purity of mind and heart, and guarding ourselves from unwholesome influences. We must hold fast to our high calling in the midst of powerful headwinds. This is part of running the race with endurance set before us (Hebrews 12:1).
7. We still struggle with our own sinful nature
Not only must we resist external sinful influences, but as believers we still struggle with our own fleshly desires and tendencies toward sin. Paul wrote frankly about warring against sin still residing in him and not yet being perfected (Rom 7:14-25). Sanctification is a slow process of transformation. Old habits and thought patterns persist. This inner tug-of-war against lingering sin wears us down over time.
We must keep fighting the good fight of faith and crucifying the flesh daily, not cutting ourselves any moral slack. We may grow weary of the same besetting sins tripping us up again and again. But through the Spirit we can make progress in holiness (Gal 5:16-17). Our sin nature opposes our desire to keep doing good, but we must not take our foot off the gas pedal.
8. Persevering in doing good has eternal significance
Galatians 6:9 promises that if we don’t give up, we will reap eternal blessing. Our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Cor 15:58). Living righteously, walking humbly with God, and serving others has lasting significance beyond what we see in the moment. It counts for eternity and leads to eternal rewards.
Jesus said store up treasure in heaven rather than earth, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Hebrews 11 commends Old Testament saints who persevered to the end in faith and righteous living. They looked to an eternal reward and a heavenly country. Keeping our eyes on the imperishable eternal crown will sustain us through weariness and discouragement in the present.
9. We are called to incarnate God’s goodness in the world
As Christ’s body on earth, we are now charged with incarnating God’s goodness in the world and being his hands and feet. Christ in us is the hope of glory (Col 1:27). This is an incredible privilege. We are taking up the work Jesus began of reconciling the world to God, expanding his kingdom and confronting evil. Though challenging, what a purpose!
Knowing we are ambassadors for the King of Kings, bearing his glorious image, should motivate us to keep doing good works boldly and lovingly. We are laying up treasures in heaven with each act of service, each deed done in Jesus’ name. He is multiplying his fruit through us, to the glory of God. That eternal perspective puts present weariness in perspective.
10. We are called to incarnate God’s goodness in community
Not only do we represent Christ individually, but together as his church. When believers do good works collaboratively – serving the needy, advancing justice, providing care, praying and worshiping together – this testifies powerfully to God’s love and the reality of Christ’s kingdom. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
The early church modeled this corporate witness of goodness and care for one another: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:42, 44-45).
Keeping our eyes on furthering our common witness, mission and faith communities can energize us when our personal wells run dry. We need each other’s encouragement and support to persevere in doing good works together. The task is too great for anyone to accomplish alone. Community keeps us going.
11. Doing good is its own reward
Even if we saw no results from our good works, they are still worth doing because goodness is its own reward. Righteousness, justice, compassion, generosity and truth are inherently worthy and reflect God’s own moral perfection. Doing good brings glory to God and aligns our lives more closely with our Creator’s likeness and purposes.
A life poured out in service to others and for a righteous cause is profoundly meaningful and valuable regardless of outward results. Pouring ourselves out as a sacrifice mirrors Christ’s own sacrificial love (Phil 2:17). When we experience the joy and meaning inherent in righteous living, it breeds more enthusiasm for doing good. Obedience leads to blessing (Deut 11:26-28).
12. The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure and renew our zeal
Left to ourselves, we would certainly grow weary and lose heart. But Galatians 6:9 is followed by verse 10 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” This implies we in fact have power to continue doing good works through the enabling Holy Spirit.
Paul says in Colossians 1:11 that we are “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” God gives power, through his Spirit, for endurance to keep sowing good seeds. We can turn to him for strength and renewal when we grow weary. The Spirit’s filling brings new zeal and joy that helps us persevere (Acts 13:52).
13. Doing good will ultimately triumph through God’s plan
We must remember that God’s sovereign plan and purpose will ultimately prevail. Evil will not have the last word. Galatians 6:9 speaks of a coming harvest or reaping from the good seeds we have sown. Doing good is never in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). God’s kingdom will continue progressing and growing as we partner with his redemptive work in the world.
Jesus declared that the gates of hell will not prevail against the advance of his church (Matt. 16:18). We work unto the Lord, not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). The gospel continues bearing fruit and multiplying (Col. 1:6). Doing good will triumph, whether through our hands or others, because God is overseeing the harvest. We can take heart that our labors in him have eternal significance.
14. Jesus set the ultimate example of persistence in doing good
When weariness sets in, we should look to Christ himself. Hebrews 12:3 tells us to “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” Jesus endured scorn, mocking, betrayal, injustice, torture and the agony of the cross. Yet he persevered in completing God’s redemptive plan.
Jesus lived a perfect life of righteousness, tirelessly healing the sick, casting out demons, teaching truth, confronting hypocrisy and caring for the hurting. He was faithful to the point of death on the cross. And God raised him to the highest place (Phil. 2:6-11). We have the greatest model of endurance ever in Christ. If he did not grow weary, neither should we since we have his Spirit empowering us.
15. We will reap eternal rewards if we don’t lose heart
Galatians 6:9 promises that if we persist in doing good works we will reap spiritual blessings. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 contrasts current, momentary troubles achieving for us an eternal glory. Any sacrifices we make doing earthly good pale compared to our reward in heaven. Jesus said to store up eternal treasure in heaven by using earthly resources for others (Luke 12:33).
In Revelation 14:13 it says our deeds will follow us. God sees all we do in secret and will reward us (Matt. 6:4,6). We will receive from the Lord whatever good we have done, whether we are Jew or Gentile (Rom. 2:6-11). The fruits of walking by the Spirit will result in eternal life (Gal. 6:8). Scripture gives much assurance that God remembers all our efforts for good and will abundantly reward enduring faithfulness.
16. God’s timing and purposes are perfect even if not predictable
A final encouragement not to grow weary is that God’s timing and purposes are unfolding even when not evident. We walk by faith, not sight, trusting God’s invisible hand is guiding all things. The seeds we plant may take time to sprout. But God knows the perfect timing to bring the harvest.
Isaiah 55:11 assures us God’s word goes out and accomplishes his purposes. Our labor is never in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). According to Ephesians 2:10, we are God’s workmanship created to do good works he prepared for us. If we walk in those good deeds our labor has eternal fruitfulness.
Conclusion
As Galatians 6:9 encourages, may we persist in doing good works without growing discouraged or losing heart. Though challenging, doing good is purposeful and rewarding work. More importantly, it aligns our lives to Christ’s example and brings glory to God. Our efforts have eternal significance. With our eyes fixed on the spiritual harvest to come, may we take up our cross daily and obediently walk the path of righteousness.
