Galatians_6

Scripture

 

Galatians 6: 9-10

 

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 

Observation

 

Paul continues to urge the church to act in according to the Spirit, but rather than looking at this through the lens of the law he centralizes it around the church itself. He also encourages the church to continue acting in goodness as it will lead to an abundance in return.

 

Understanding

 

A proper harvest will be reaped when the body of Christ moves in unison.

 

I find it ironic that Paul places these verses in tandem with one another. Often as a church we focus on bringing people to Christ, outside of the church, that we forget to recognize our family whom we gather with frequently. I’m not saying that we mistreat one another, but showing the goodness of God to people who already believe is just as important as showing it to someone who doesn’t. The phrase familiarity breeds fondness comes to mind, as we become fond and comfortable with one another yet we don’t always extend goodness to one another. Again, I want to emphasize that I am not indicating that we mistreat our church family, but we don’t always show our gratitude. Gratitude is not designated to only a small time in November when people are forced to say what they are thankful for. Gratitude expresses appreciation and goodness about a given thing. It’s the little things like buying the person you sit next to every Sunday a coffee from Mainstream, it’s posting one of PG’s one-liners that resonate with you, it’s offering to take someone out to lunch after service.

 

So why am I saying all this? Knowing each other and truly showing the goodness of God to those who we serve with will lead to not only a move of God within our own church but an overflow into our community. If we desire to see other people come to know Christ we must first hold the mirror up to our own church and ensure that we act with integrity and goodness with each other. As Paul says the moment we give up of doing good with each other is the moment we give up on doing good elsewhere. How do we act when we are comfortable with each other? Does it glorify God and bring goodness and gratitude to those we serve with?

 

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

 

Life Application

 

Prepare for the harvest by appreciating the workers.

 

Let’s be more intentional about connecting with our family and letting them know how thankful you are for them. It could a simple gesture like writing a note to someone in the church, or hanging out them outside the church walls. The point is the harvest is plentiful but the workers must be motivated to reap the harvest.

 

-Allison Khan