193. We Shall Reap
Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
The promise of reaping encourages us not to give up doing good things. Do not stop doing well just because you don’t see positive results right away. Doing a good work will always reap a benefit. We may not see the results of well doing, and we may be tempted to say, “What’s the use?” Make no mistake: in due season we shall reap. “Due season” means it will happen at the proper time, when the time is right. The right time will come, although it may be a long time; it may not even be until eternity.
Every good work will reap its proper reward at the right time. Count on it. No good thing that the Christian ever does will go unnoticed. God is keeping track and He promises a reaping of every good deed, however small. Giving a cup of cold water will have a reward. We can never say: “Nobody notices; nobody cares; nobody is even grateful.” The Lord always knows, notices, cares and rewards. There will be a harvest of reaping for every good work done in faith.
On the other hand, doing a good work just to be noticed or to receive a good feeling in return has already received a reward: you are noticed or you feel better. That’s it. A good work, or well doing, is something done in faith and out of faith and because of faith in Christ. It is a grateful response for salvation and free grace already received. We do not do the good work to receive a reward, but it is helpful to know that a reaping is guaranteed. So God tells us not to be weary in well doing. It’s worth it; just keep it up. We can widen the application of this promise to encourage us to strongly remain faithful to our Lord in all things and at all times, especially during times of stress, tribulation, and persecution. “Be faithful unto death.” When trials, troubles, and temptations come we will still do good things and not give up. We love God and we forgive others no matter what is going on. We sow to the Spirit, plant the Gospel, and we know there will be a reaping.9