“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9

We all sometimes grow weary of doing good. It is hard to always go the extra mile for others.  It is hard to consistently be generous and turn the other cheek, especially when our efforts are not met with gratitude.  As a result, we sometimes have to say, “I am going to keep doing the right thing, whether anyone appreciates it or not.  I am going to keep being generous and kind, even if a thank you will never be forthcoming.”

Ironically, doing what is right needs to be a selfish activity. Let me explain. If you only are generous to others if you are going to get a “thank you,” you aren’t going to do much for others.  If you are only going to turn the other cheek if it will evoke an appreciative response from the person who is harming you, you will never turn the other cheek.  You have to do what is right for yourself.  You must see it as your way of serving God, with zero expectation of gratitude from others.

Paul says, “let us not grow weary” because he knows that it is draining to do the right thing. It takes personal sacrifice, hard work, and very often some tongue biting to be a good person.  All of that can make us weary.  That is why doing good has to become a habit.

Like flossing and making your bed every morning, doing what is right all the time at first will seem like a chore. Going the extra mile for others and going out of your way to be generous will seem unnecessary and unduly cumbersome.  But if you consistently do what is right, it becomes a habit.  Being generous becomes second nature.  You will turn the other cheek without giving it much thought.  You will seek out ways to be good to others naturally.  Being good will become part of who you are.

Now, I can’t tell you what you are going to “reap at harvest time.” Presumably Paul is referring to reaping the blessing of going to heaven.  However, I think that we reap a harvest here on earth when we are good.  I’ll give you an example.  Yesterday, I was in a difficult mood.  I was grouchy and a pain in the neck to my husband.  And you know what?  I reaped what I sowed.  I felt awful all day.  But most days, I try to be good. I try to go the extra mile for others.  I try to be as positive and as encouraging toward others as possible. And as a result, most days I am pretty happy.  I enjoy my life with my husband and daughter.  I enjoy my work, and our friends.  I am not always perfect, but my imperfect efforts at being good pay off.

If you are one of those people who tries very hard to be good, know that you will reap good things from your efforts. You are a blessing on this earth.  You may not receive accolades from people, but know that God sees what you do and He will reward you in His time.