Let Us Not Grow Weary of Doing Good

A Verse, A Comment, A Prayer, A Blessing (3/20/2025)

A Verse

Galatians 6:9

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

A Comment

Martin Luther, the 16th-century reformer, had a deep appreciation for the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia. In it, he recognized the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls us away from the works of the flesh and toward a life of faith in Christ. However, while he championed the grace of God in Christ, Luther also acknowledged that the life of faith is not one of inactivity. As those saved by God’s grace, we are called to “not grow weary in doing good.”

Commenting on Galatians 6:9, Luther wrote, “For it is easy to do good once or twice, but to stay with it and not to be overcome by the ingratitude or malice of those you are helping—this is work and labor. Therefore he exhorts us not only to do good but also not to grow weary in doing good.” This serves as a valuable reminder for us this morning.

The grace of God does not provide an excuse to neglect our call to do good unto the Lord. Rather, having been freed from a false gospel that suggests we must act to please God through our own strength, the true gospel teaches us that, since we have been liberated from condemnation by Christ’s work on our behalf, we now labor in grace. And in this grace, we are called to not grow weary. For, in due season, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I’m not sure where you are in your life this morning, but I understand how easy it is to become weary in the pursuit of doing good. If this resonates with you today, let us heed the apostle Paul’s admonition and Luther’s encouragement. For, while it is simple to do good once or twice, it takes the grace of God working in and through us to continue doing the good that God has called us to, even when we feel tired. Let us hold on to the promise of God from His word: we will reap a harvest in due time. For God is faithful.

A Prayer

Father, help us to keep showing up and doing the good work that You have called us to in Christ. Strengthen our weary hearts with Your grace. Grant us to believe that our labors will not be in vain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Blessing

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, Amen.” (Galatians 6:18)