How Can We Avoid Becoming "Weary in Doing Good"?
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"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).
"Be not weary in well doing." We are God’s hands and feet here on Earth, called to help others and to build them up. In fact, the Lord expects us to intentionally look for ways to show His love to both fellow believers and people we meet out in the world each day.
But as humans, we only have finite amounts of physical, emotional and mental energy. So no matter how strong our desire to serve God, fatigue can set in after a while. And if it seems like our work isn’t making a difference, discouragement can take root as well.
The Apostle Paul understood this dilemma. He often found himself at the point of exhaustion and confessed his struggles at those low moments. Yet, he always rebounded, determined to continue following God’s call on his life. He urged his readers to make the same choice.
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1).
Whenever I’ve read Paul’s accounts, I’ve marveled at his ability to find new strength in the midst of tiredness, and even depression. If I’m determined, I can learn how to push through weariness as he did - you can, too.
What It Means to 'Be Not Weary in Well Doing'
The word weary, and how it feels physically, is pretty familiar to us. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines it as, “exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor or freshness.” As we reach this place, negative emotions can develop, too. The entry goes on to say, “having one’s patience, tolerance or pleasure exhausted.”
Interestingly, two Bible translations of Galatians 6:9 highlight this connection. The Amplified Bible reads, “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged…,” and The Message Bible offers this: “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.”
So, as we “go about doing good” as Jesus did, we must remember to balance serving others with times of rest in God’s care.
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The Context of This Verse and 'Be Not Weary in Well Doing'
Chapter 6 of Galatians lays out some practical ways of encouraging other believers as we also guard ourselves.
- By correcting and restoring our brothers and sisters while protecting ourselves from temptation to sin (v. 1)
- By carrying each other’s burdens (v. 2)
- By not becoming proud of ourselves, through either comparison or pride (v. 3-5)
- By showing appreciation to those who help us learn and grow in our faith (v. 6)
- By seeking to glorify God, rather than ourselves, through what we do (v. 7-8)
Paul finishes this section in verses 9-10 with a plea for us to continue sowing good seeds, those good works done in Jesus’ name, whenever we have the chance.
Who Was the Audience for the Book of Galatians, and What Was the Lesson?
Paul wrote this letter to the churches he had founded in southern Galatia during his first missionary journey, probably meaning for it to be circulated among them. One of the major themes of the letter is freedom in Christ versus adherence to the Jewish law. Paul aimed this particularly at the Judaizers, a group of extremists within the church who taught that one had to submit to Jewish laws and traditions as well as believe in Christ. Other themes of the book include being saved by faith alone, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The churches that received this letter were a mix of Jewish Christians and Gentiles. Paul was trying to unite the different factions by reminding them of their equal standing in Christ. He wanted his words to correct any false teaching being given, and to point them back to the truth of the gospel. Christ’s work on the cross brought us freedom, but as he wrote, “...do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another, humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:13-14).
Paul’s instruction is as valid today as it was when he put it on paper. There is no shortage of needy people around us, and we have chances every day to bless them in Jesus’ name. But before we step out, it’s important to keep two things in mind: our motive is to show God’s love so that He will get the glory, and our strength comes from God, not our own personal reserve.
What We Will "Reap" if We Persevere
The harvest Paul meant in verse 9 is the positive result of whatever good deeds we do. And Jesus Himself mentions the amazing notion that this harvest occurs within others and within us at the same time.
Our works can help bring about a harvest of worshippers in the world.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Those same works can bring a harvest of eternal riches for us personally.
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33-34).
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Biserka Stojanovic
What Does This Verse Look Like for Us Today in terms of How to 'Be Not Weary in Well Doing'?
Most churches are very active in terms of ministry, and offer wonderful opportunities to do good works both within and beyond the building walls. The challenge of such an exciting environment is to be involved without becoming overwhelmed.
I’ve had the experience of walking through a church “job fair” and finding myself wanting to sign up for a lot of different groups. And that doesn’t include the spontaneous good works I might get the chance to do as I go through my week.
This verse can be seen as an excuse to push ourselves even when we are already on overdrive. But Paul’s words can also be a caution, leading us to ask “How can I not become weary?” This question can help us set healthy boundaries for ourselves, making the energy and time we spend more effective and joyful.
Other verses in Paul’s letters give us some guidelines to consider:
- Remember that we are to do ministry in God’s power.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).
- Remember that we are not meant to go beyond what God has called us to do.
“...the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Cor. 3:6-7).
- Remember that our motives for doing good works must be God-based: showing His love and serving Him.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:10-11).
What Should We Do When We Begin to Feel Burned Out?
When we start feeling depleted and disheartened, finding out why will help us take practical steps to help ourselves. For example:
Do I feel spiritually worn out? If so, it’s time to “refill the tank.” How? Jesus went away to spend time alone with His Father, and we can do the same. Quiet time in His Word and prayer are just two ways to find spiritual recharging.
Does my body need a break? Everyone runs out of steam eventually. What signs does your body give you that it needs attention? Being willing to stop, and learning how to let down for a bit can do a lot to refresh us physically.
Do I feel overwhelmed by the task? We are designed for relationships, and that applies to ministry work as well. Sharing our labor with brothers and sisters brings sweet fellowship and a greater impact on our church family and the world around us.
The Lord calls us to an exciting life of service, and there is no shortage of needs to fill. In Galatians 6:9, the Apostle Paul encourages us to press on in our ministry, and offers us the promise of blessings as we do. If we ask, God will show us how to stay devoted to the mission and to stay healthy for the long haul.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/eggeeggjiew
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