Galatians 6:9-10 (CEB)

Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. 10 So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.


Reflection

Gardening is an endless job. When you plant a garden, you till the soil, sow the seed, water it, weed it, and defend it against hungry wildlife – all the while waiting for the harvest of your hard work. It’s hard, frustrating, exhausting work requiring patience and perseverance. If you can stick with it, it’s well worth the rewards.

Some people, after years of gardening, just give up. They’re tired of the struggle and they just don’t feel the rewards are worth the effort. As children of God, we can feel the same way when we work hard to follow Jesus. We do good things but we don’t see the results. Doing good often feels thankless, so it’s easy to be become discouraged and give up.

If we are doing good by our own strength and for our own reward, we will burn out and fail. The power to do good comes from God, not from ourselves. The needs of our world are unending and only the power and love of God can sustain us for this endless work. Through God’s grace we are able to follow the example of Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled, filled with joy, strengthened and renewed. Through constant prayers for guidance we discern God’s call to go and serve where our spiritual gifts are needed. We toil here in God’s earthly garden sowing seeds of goodness and love, for an eternal harvest we may never see. We do good knowing we don’t toil in futility but in the certain hope of resurrection. Doing good can involve caring for the sick, being with the grieving, feeding and clothing people, building up others, speaking up for justice, and sharing the Good News. When we show kindness, patience and love, we become the very presence of Christ to each other.

By Jeneene Reduker


For Pondering & Prayer

Today, be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to see where you can do good and be a blessing to someone. Pray that God will put people in your path who need a kind word, a listening presence, a helpful hand, or to hear the Good News about Jesus.

Prayer: Merciful God, we often get tired when doing good and give up before the harvest. We can’t do this work without you. We rely on your endless love and grace to renew us and sustain us, as we do good things for others and share with them the good news of Jesus. Amen.