The apostle Paul is encouraging believers that doing good involves walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and in so doing, you are exercising the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) toward one another. When these fruits are evident in our lives, doing good is the inevitable and natural result. Love generates an action that motivates us to do good towards others without an expectation of a return. God created us to desire relationship, and our fellowship with believers allows us to use our gifts to bless one another. 

We know that there are so many needs to be met, yet they tend to conflict with our time, energy, and possibly our finances. Therefore, despite these potential obstacles, we are instructed not to grow weary in doing good. After all, just the smallest gesture of kindness can change the trajectory of someone’s life. Bearing witness to God's love doesn't always mean delivering a powerful sermon—it can occur by simply offering an encouraging word or delivering a meal to someone who cannot leave their home. In this scripture Paul exhorts us to keep living consistently with what we believe and speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping. The doing doesn't come naturally: it takes intentionality, practice, and at times, a little planning. 

So often we become disheartened in doing good because we encounter so much ingratitude.  This is the challenge of living in a fallen world—especially when faced with rejection and ingratitude from others, or you feel as if you’re being abused for your kindness. Paul understood this from his own ministry, and this is why he encouraged perseverance with the focus on the harvest to come.

Here are some strategies we can follow to minimize our weariness: 

·       Spend time with the Lord in prayer

·       Read His word daily

·       Schedule times to rest

·       Avoid overcommitments 

If we live primarily to seek after our own comfort, we will find ourselves spiritually impoverished. But if we are led by the spirit, and look to the comfort of others, we shall soon see fruit in our own present circumstances, and have a rich reward awaiting us in heaven. For the believer, the work we do now in this life will bring eternal reward. Just as the farmer plants seed and waits with hope for a fruitful harvest; we too, must sow the seeds; trust the Lord to water them, and honor God in the waiting. 

What witness have others left in your life to encourage you? What simple act of kindness can you do for someone today? 

Lord, give me the strength and perseverance to continue to do good even when my flesh wages against me. Allow me opportunities to be a blessing to those that I encounter. Help me to have a  heart like yours—a heart filled with love, generosity, and compassion. Use me to be your hands and feet. Break my heart for what breaks yours and shine your love through me so others will see you. Amen.

Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 15:58; Mark 14:38; Romans 15:2; James 5:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:13