Galatians 6:9 exhorts, “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” This verse serves as the keynote for a powerful lesson on perseverance and faithfulness in serving the Lord. In life, it is easy to grow tired when our efforts seem unnoticed or unappreciated. Many have struggled with discouragement in their Christian walk, questioning whether their labor is truly worth it. However, God calls us to steadfastness, reminding us that every act of obedience and service has eternal significance.
Faith and works go hand in hand. James 2:21-22 states, “Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected.” From Abraham to Noah, from Joshua to Paul, every faithful servant of God has demonstrated unwavering commitment despite trials and challenges.
But what does “well-doing” really mean? It is more than just good deeds; it is doing what is commanded by God—no more, no less. Revelation 22:18 warns, “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.” Many believe that any act of service is acceptable to God as long as it is done sincerely, but sincerity alone does not equal righteousness. Romans 10:1-3 speaks of Israel’s misguided zeal, stating, “For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”
The challenge before us is this: Will we endure in doing good, even when it is difficult? Or will we allow discouragement to pull us away from what is right? Jesus prayed, “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10), and that must be our mindset as well. Let us now examine some key areas where perseverance is necessary in our Christian walk.
Key Lessons on Perseverance
1. Restoring the Fallen
Galatians 6:1 instructs, “Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.” The word “restore” here is a medical term, meaning “to set a bone that is broken.” Just as a physician carefully resets a fracture, we must gently help those who have fallen into sin find their way back to righteousness.
There is a dangerous belief that after conversion, nothing is considered sin anymore. However, Paul himself said in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” We must be willing to correct, encourage, and pray for those who have stumbled, showing meekness and forgiveness.
2. Bearing One Another’s Burdens
Galatians 6:2 commands, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Burdens come in many forms—suffering, stress, grief, and even temptation. Within the home, fathers bear the weight of responsibility, and children are called to assist and honor their parents. The saddest place on earth is a mother’s grave, and tragically, some children bring sorrow upon their parents through disobedience, making choices that lead to pain, regret, and even premature loss.
This burden-sharing extends beyond the home and into the church. Too often, there are too many “riders” and too few “lifters.” The Christian life is not a solitary walk—it is a journey taken alongside fellow believers, lifting each other up when the load becomes too heavy. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 states, “so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same care for one another. And if one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if a part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it.”
3. Doing Good to All Men
Galatians 6:10 exhorts, “So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Every day brings special opportunities to fulfill this command. Yet, how often do we put off doing good, thinking we will get to it later? We intend to visit the sick, encourage the discouraged, or share the gospel with someone who needs it—but we delay. The problem is, opportunities pass, and sometimes, they do not come again.
Doing good also extends to our enemies. Romans 12:20-21 states, “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” If this principle were universally accepted, wars would end, and conflicts would be resolved before they escalated. The “Golden Rule”—treating others as we wish to be treated—is powerful enough to settle every church dispute, governmental conflict, and family struggle.
The greatest good we can do for someone is to help save their soul. The call to evangelism comes from above (Mark 16:15-16), from beneath (Luke 16), and from the cries of those without God (Acts 16). A soul is valuable beyond measure, and sharing the gospel is an eternal act of kindness.
Conclusion
The reward for perseverance in well-doing is great. Revelation 2:26 promises, “The one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations.” Again, in Revelation 22:14, we read, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates.”
Each of us must examine ourselves: Are we tired, retired, attired, tiresome, or tireless? Philippians 3:13-14 urges us to say, “Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus.”
Brethren, let us work while we still can. Ecclesiastes 12:6 warns, “Remember your Creator before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed.” The time will come when our opportunity to labor will end. Will we be found weary in well-doing—or tireless in our pursuit of righteousness?
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