Do Not Grow Weary

“Do not grow weary”—three words that breathe life into exhausted souls. In Galatians 6:9, Paul addresses a universal Christian struggle: maintaining spiritual momentum when results seem slow in coming.

“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, NIV)

This verse concludes Paul’s teaching on sowing and reaping (6:7-10), offering both warning and encouragement for the long obedience in the same direction.

1. The Reality of Spiritual Weariness

The Greek word for “weary” (egkakeō) means:

To lose heart
To grow faint
To abandon one’s post

Common weariness triggers include:
✔️ Delayed results (planting without seeing growth)
✔️ Lack of appreciation (giving without reciprocity)
✔️ Opposition (doing right while others prosper in wrong)

2. The Nature of True “Good”

“Doing good” (kalos poieō) refers to:

Ordinary faithfulness (daily acts of obedience)
Costly love (serving difficult people)
Unseen integrity (when no one notices)

This isn’t about:
❌ Perfectionism
❌ People-pleasing
❌ Burnout-inducing busyness

But rather:
✅ Spirit-led, sustainable service

3. The Harvest Promise

God’s agricultural principle guarantees:

Divine Timing (“at the proper time”)
Certain Results (“we will reap”)
Conditional Aspect (“if we do not give up”)

Modern parallels:

A parent’s years of prayer
A worker’s ethical stand
A believer’s consistent witness

Perseverance Practices

1. Redefine Success

Measure by faithfulness, not visible outcomes
Celebrate small obediences as victories

2. Practice Sabbath Rhythms

Build regular rest into doing good
Let Matthew 11:28-30 reshape your pace

3. Create Encouragement Reminders

Journal past “harvests” you’ve witnessed
Display verses about God’s faithfulness

4. Join a Perseverance Community

Share burdens (Galatians 6:2)
“Spur one another on” (Hebrews 10:24)

When You Want to Quit

For the deeply weary:

Elijah felt this after victory (1 Kings 19:4)
Jesus understands (Matthew 26:38)
Your “proper time” is coming

Reflection Questions – Do Not Grow Weary

What “good work” has been making me most weary lately?
How have I seen God’s harvest timing in past situations?
What one adjustment could help me persevere without burnout?

Prayer

Faithful Lord,
Thank You for seeing
Every seed of goodness I’ve planted.
Forgive me for judging Your work
By visible sprouts rather than
Your promise of certain harvest.
Renew my perseverance today—
Not with grim determination
But with joyful confidence
In Your perfect timing.
When I’m tempted to abandon my post,
Remind me that my labor
In You is never in vain.
Amen.