Week 13, Day 3
March 30, 2022 Scripture: Galatians 6 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9–10) Don’t grow weary. I know that life for most everyone has had an extra layer of stress. Whether its global conflicts that weigh heavy on our hearts, the ever-increasing prices of life inflating and stretching our budgets, or just plain old sickness, with all of that and more, it is easy to become weary. There are the obvious and difficult outside forces that are frustrating. We also have our own internal conflicts to contend with as well. Our personal feelings, frustrations, inadequacies, insecurities… it’s easy to be weary when we feel so broken inside. Life is frustrating. The concluding encouragement from Paul to the Galatians is for them to not grow weary. They’ve faced threats of death, outside pressures to return to old ways, and have been tempted to hide from their faith. They too have faced economic struggles, family difficulties and so much more. How do we not grow weary? Paul offers a surefire way for us to not grow weary: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1–2) We restore, we forgive, we unite and we bear each other’s burdens. We don’t grow weary because we are never alone. Should our sin drive us out of community, there is someone to pursue and care for you. If you look out for me and care for me, and I look out and care for you, then in that economy, someone is always cared for. When people’s primary concern is other over self, everyone gets loved. What prevents or thwarts this sort of caring economy is selfishness. It’s the pursuit of the flesh. What causes the most weariness of anything is when we look to our own needs above that of others. When we indulge in the flesh, it stops the mutual support. When we pursue the Spirit, we are built together. We don’t grow weary in doing good. Because a life in the Spirit bears fruit of the Spirit. Most all of the fruit of the Spirit is others-centered. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness – they are focused on others. We care for our fellow believers and lift them up through the fruit of God’s Spirit living in us. Don’t grow weary in doing good. Love your church well! Grow in the Spirit.
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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