Do not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. So then as we have opportunity let us do good to everyone and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:18)
This is a scripture that many people know but with the hussles and bussles of life, it can be hard to focus in on what this really means. But this is a scripture that I have found myself having to mediate on a lot lately because it can be easy to put people, status, and things in the place of God when it seems that we are not being noticed by our peers or family members. Sometimes it can seem like nothing you do is ever enough at the time or that it is never going to be enough. However, the word tells us not to grow weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. So you may not experience going through things like not having your deeds noticed but it could be that inward characteristics are not being noticed. Although you don't do them for performance sometimes you feel you need that affirmation to remind you of who you are in Jesus Christ. Many might say, well we are called to be humble so it shouldn't matter if no one notices us or loves us. But it does, and the bible encourages faithfully brotherly affection and for us to love one another. Love is counted as the greatest (1 Corin 13:13).
We are also called to deal with one another in a loving manner, even if it may seem hard to do so. And so though we may not get the attention that we want or feel we deserve. We still have to honor the Lord by walking in the spirit. We often try and justify our fits of anger or outbursts by saying, "well they are being rude or mean to me." However, we are indeed responsible for our own actions. Now I will not take away from our ability to get angry, even the word tells us to be angry but SIN NOT (Ephesians 4:26). However, it also tells as that a gentle answer turns away wrath but harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). So if we want to get that last word in, because that particular person has made us so angry and has caused us pain, we must choose to walk in the spirit. We cannot say, "I am going to put my Christianity down for a few minutes and then pick it back up"...that is not what the word of God says. We must walk in the spirit and trust God to justify that situation at all times or as much as possible. This is nothing new that I am saying, rather it is encouragement and a reminder that although life may be a struggle we can ask God to help us to love and be gentle with one another as Christians (Ephesians 4:2). You may even have to confront that person about how they have treated you as many did in the early churches that are shown in the bible but even then it should be gentle and we should speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
LET US NOT BECOME CONCEITED, PROVOKING ONE ANOTHER, ENVYING ONE ANOTHER. -GALATIANS 5:26
