January 20, 2023
Daily Devotion:
"People Harvest Only What They Plant"
Galatians 6:9
We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.
In the sixth chapter of Galatians, Paul sets out some of them most practical principles for expressing love for one another found anywhere in the Bible. But just because they are practical doesn't make them easy!
First, he tells us that we should be redemptive people, helping restore those who have been caught in a sin (v.1). He Does caution you that as you reach out to help someone, be extra careful not to get trapped in sin yourself. Secondly, Paul challenges us to love others unconditionally, without judgment and comparisons (v.4). Competition Can be friendly and healthy, but when it consumes our relationships, the inevitable result is conflict. How many marital and sibling relationships have been torpedoed by a spirit of striving rather than a spirit of pulling together? Next, Paul urges us to help carry the "excessive weights "that others are forced to bear (v. 2). He does point out that each of us should carry our own “backpacks," so we aren't required to do everything for others (v.5). But when someone has burdens that are bigger than any one person should handle alone, we are to step in help.
Most importantly, Paul reminds us not to give up on loving others (v. 9). Sure, some people are unbelievably difficult to love, but if we don't lose faith in God's power to authentically change their lives, our steadfast persistence may be the very thing that makes the difference between them finding God's forgiveness and peace or never receiving God's grace in their hearts. The result of how we relate to others is simple, according to Paul. He says, “People harvest only what they plant" (v.7). When we sow love into others, we will ultimately receive love in return.
