Verse of the day: Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for
in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
One of the obstacles we, as born again believers, can encounter
in our walk with, and service to, the Lord, is the danger of becoming
discouraged, and giving up, in doing good. 1 Corinthians 15:58 tells us, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is
not in vain in the Lord.” It is no secret that we encounter people who
can be very ungrateful. Some of us have even had moments when we were convicted
because we failed to show gratitude toward God or others. However, as
Christians, we must keep this one thing at the forefront of our minds, that
whatever good we do for others, we are doing it for the Lord, and therefore
should not expect anything in return; and realize that people will sometimes
fail to be thankful for the good we do to them, and for them. Luke 6:32-36
reminds us, “But if you love those who love you, what credit is
that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good
to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do
the same. 34 And if you
lend to those from whom you
hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to
sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in
return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.
For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”
Jesus was very clear that we are to be like Him in being merciful toward those
that we have the opportunity to do good for. Regardless of who they are, or
even if they are our enemy. The reminder in today’s verse is that whatever we
do, whether or not we receive gratitude for it, God sees it, and will reward us
in due time. Let us not forget that we will all stand before the Lord to give
account, and receive reward, for our service to Him (2 Cor 5:10). The most
encouraging part of this is that if we do not give up, we will reap all the
rewards God has in store for us, in accordance to our faithfulness in serving
Him, and those He calls us to serve. In all that we do, we must do it because
we serve God, and not because we seek the gratitude or praises of men.
Colossians 3:23-24 commands us, “ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the
Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward
of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” The devils will do
all they can to discourage us when we do good, especially when all we seem to
get in return is criticism by those who will think we are foolish for doing
good to someone, or for someone, they deem unworthy. The very people we do good
for may even betray us or mistreat us; but we are to be steadfast, and know
that God also sees that and will take vengeance on our behalf (Rm 12:17-19). We
must always remember that God gave us eternal life, was merciful, and showed us
grace, even though we did not, and do not deserve it. All that we do for God
and others is all for God’s glory, and He knows every little thing we do, and
the intention of our hearts when we do it. So let us serve God cheerfully, and
not grow weary in well-doing, knowing that God sees it, and will reward us in
due time.
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