September 16, 2026
Today's Reading: Galatians 5:25-6:10
Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 35:1-7, 16-25; Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Colossians 3:1-25
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
The Holy Spirit encourages us to do good to one another.
It sounds so simple. Yet doing good can be downright exhausting. In this sin-broken world, doing the right thing the right way is not always the quickest, most efficient, most convenient, or most enjoyable. So some set aside doing good altogether.
Take the working world, for example. It is dominated by corporate espionage and get-ahead-quick schemes. The goal is to come out ahead of one’s competitors. The question of ‘good’ is sometimes replaced with the question of ‘legality.’ Think about it: many companies have a legal department, but when was the last time you heard of a company with an ethics department?
Some try to aim for a ‘reasonable’ compromise. The initial plan is always to do good, but when bearing one another’s burdens becomes too much, well… they move on to less exhausting work.
This is not God’s desire. He would have His creatures live in a perfect world, where those who bear His image “live by the Spirit” and “keep in step with the Spirit.” This is why the Holy Spirit comes to us in Holy Baptism, to enlighten us by His Gifts and continually sanctify us—that through us, He would sow spiritual good throughout all creation! God has sown the seed of the Gospel in you! And He will reap a good harvest in time. Do not grow weary of doing good, brothers and sisters! God is working through you!
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Called by worship to Your service, Forth in Your dear name we go, To the child, the youth, the aged, Love in living deeds to show; Hope and health, goodwill and comfort, Counsel, aid, and peace we give, That Your servants, Lord, in freedom May Your mercy know and live. (LSB 848:4)
Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL.
