All in, preparing for the harvest
by Kathy Matuschka
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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Today’s passage concerns itself with our behaviour in Christian community. In a few verses, the author weaves together the interplay between our interdependence with one another within faith communities and the personal responsibility each of us has for our own behaviour.
For example, the readers are admonished to ‘carry each other’s burdens’ (verse 2) and share what we have learnt (verse 6) but also examine ourselves and carry our own load (verses 3–5).
So one would assume that when verse 9 above calls us to ‘not become weary of doing good’, the author is addressing us as both individuals and communities. Each of us has a personal responsibility to sow to please the Spirit (verse 8), but we are also made for community, and we do our best good when we pull together.
At the proper time, our attention to doing good will lead to a harvest, not because of what we do but because Jesus did all that was needed and draws us into his new life. While we need to keep sowing to see a harvest, the duration of the seasons can vary a lot! We could see the fruit of doing good immediately, or we could wait years. Sometimes it is only subsequent generations who experience the full extent of the harvest.
‘Let us not become weary in doing good’ (verse 9). While we don’t get to say what the harvest will be, and the growth is the work of God’s Spirit and not our own efforts, through a blessed mystery, turning up and participating in God’s work does make a difference.
Gracious God, may your Spirit enable me to keep doing good and help and encourage others in my faith community to also give their best in your service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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