“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).
While Paul reminds the people of Galatia of the truth that God won’t be deceived, he urged this community of believers to work hard for God. When we know that one day we will answer to God for all we have said and done, it changes things. When we remember we will see Jesus face-to-face, it changes everything in all honesty.
In my personal Bible study, I have been exploring the truths found in the Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians 5, we are reminded that Jesus is indeed coming back for His people. I have been thinking about something, in regards to this particular Scripture – “What are we doing to prepare for that moment?” That question seems appropriate, as we consider the good works we could do and in spite of our own human weariness.
“Until the very end one should not be weary in doing good to all people, especially to the family of believers, for that is the norm for the disciples of Jesus (Ashbury Commentary).”
It is to be normal for us, as believers, to offer up emotional and spiritual support to one another. Not only will God refuse to be mocked, He knows how we treat one another. We cannot fool God by saying: we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, then leave them lacking when we could participate in learning “how to care for others in tangible ways (Theology of Work Bible Commentary).” This message specifically instructs us to care for those that are part of our body. This is an area we all need to grow in.
In 1 John 3:11-17, we are brought into the light of tangible acts in following Jesus. When we love our brethren, despite all circumstances, we have crossed from death to life. When we love our brothers and sisters in Christ by offering our most cherished possessions, we are indeed following Jesus with all we have like Scripture teaches us (Mt. 22:37-39).
The Church is to reflect the love of Jesus. Today, we have been given the opportunity to do this. Let us not allow ourselves to remain weary. Instead, choose to join hands with other believers and keep spurring one another on to good works. We cannot do this alone. We need to have our circle of accountability and relationships within the family of God. The truth of the matter is: we don’t have to wait to support one another, we can do so now.
Loving the Church reveals much about our faith in Jesus Christ. As we engage in church life in the local body, we will face many opportunities to do good despite our circumstances. Even when relationships are torn, we can still show the love of Jesus. The question is, “How will we choose to respond to those opportunities to offer grace and support?”
