Do Not Get Discouraged

(Galatians 6:9)

Mike Johnson

Galatians 6:1-10 encourages us in Christian living.  It points out that in a spirit of humility and gentleness, those who are spiritual are to strive to restore those who are involved in sin.  It also teaches that we are to bear the burdens of others and assist financially those who are teaching God’s Word.  He then points out that, as we have the opportunity, we must do good to everyone, especially our fellow Christians.

Amid these words of exhortation, the writer employs a farming analogy, stating that everyone will reap as they have sown (7-8).  If people sow to the “flesh,” they will reap “corruption,” but if they sow to the Spirit, the reaping will be “life everlasting.”  If someone sows to the flesh and can reap life everlasting, that would be mocking God, but the verses tell us that God cannot be mocked — thus, we reap what we sow.

Imagine a farmer who toils in the heat all day to plant a crop.  Then, a few days later, he returns to the field expecting a harvest, but there is none there.  He says, “I’ve worked so hard but have nothing to show for it.”  He goes away discouraged.  We acknowledge the farmer’s unreasonableness, as he must continue his work, and one day, he will reap the fruit of his labor.

Similarly, we “sow” here upon this earth, trying to do what these verses tell us.  However, we may become discouraged due to disappointments and hardships that arise while living the Christian life.  “Sowing” is not always easy.  With this in mind, Galatians 6:9 has these words of encouragement:  “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  The “reaping” will be everlasting life (6:8b), i.e., heaven — a place of eternal joy, rest, and peace.  Thus, we must continue sowing and not give up — for, in due season, we shall reap if we do not grow weary and give up.