14 day plan

Abiding with God in the heartache and the joy

Day 9 of 14

NIV

Galatians 6:9-10

9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Reflection:  Doing good to all 

It seems that if the enemy can’t hold us, he will try to push us so that the demands and requests from others escalate and our capacity diminishes to the point that duty replaces love and our hearts become weary.

You might be reading this with a wounded, tired and weary heart. You might also know many others also burdened by life. These last 20 months have been hard. So much uncertainty around the world. People are living in a heightened sense of anxiety, fear, grief and exhaustion.

Do you have the energy to reach out to another, to listen, encourage and pray with them and for them?

Perhaps you need to speak to a trusted fellow member of the body of Christ. It is so important not to feel alone and sick at heart. Call a friend or loved ones. Ask for prayer.

Paul promises, in this passage in Galatians, that we will reap the harvest if we do not give up. Note this is accomplished corporately, together. Together we do good to all people (especially our fellow Christians).

We pray that the wonderful things the Lord has accomplished individually and corporately will be protected, nurtured and thrive.

We also pray that those of us who are staring at the ground, will lift our countenance and, once again, see the harvest field.

Prayer:  Dearest Heavenly Father, you know my heart. Help me to know when I need a brother or sister’s help as well as when you are calling me to do good to another. I long for the harvest you promise. In your Son’s precious name I pray, Amen.

Galatians 6:1-18

Doing Good to All

1Brothers 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. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5for each one should carry their own load. 6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.

17From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.