The phrase “all people” echoes “all nations” (Galatians 3:8). Just as God’s blessing through Abraham reaches all nations, the good works of the Galatians reach all people. The believers in Galatia do not merely represent a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham; they are an extension of God’s mission to the world. Their good works show the goodness and kindness of God. Faithlife Study Bible
Our faith in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of our triune Godhead, changes us. The fruit of the Spirit grows and matures us as we follow His guidance. In the agape love of the Father we are a peaceful, gentle, humble people and our character is given to good works to help others. We are the children of God and He loves the world that He created. Carla
Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (NKJV)
The principle of sowing and reaping was known to everyone in a largely agricultural society. It is a vain attempt to “mock” God for a Christian to think that if he sows to his flesh he can escape the harvest of destruction and judgment that comes upon those who participate in sin (5:19–21; Hosea 8:7). Corruption is a term used for a field in which the produce is too rotten to harvest. Some interpret corruption to imply eternal destruction, either through losing salvation or through never having been truly saved at all. Others understand a tragic loss of rewards for the carnal believer ( 1 Corinthians 3:12–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelations 22:12).
He who sows to the Spirit will … reap everlasting life does not mean that eternal life is earned by works. Rather, Paul is saying that everlasting life is the glorious end of those who follow the guidance of the Spirit (Romans 6:22).
Paul speaks of doing good. The apostle has argued at length that such works cannot justify (2:16) or sanctify (3:3) anyone. However, good works are, in fact, an important fruit of the life of faith (5:5) that God has planned for each believer (Ephesians 2:8–10). In 5:19–23, the apostle describes the attitudes and actions of those controlled by the “flesh” versus those controlled by the Spirit. In verses 7–9, Paul shows the impact of those two contradictory ways over the length of a Christian’s life (Revelations 22:12). Therefore indicates that this verse speaks of an important application of the spiritual sowing and reaping process (verses 7–9). Christians are not only to serve one another in love they also should do good to non-Christians. The NKJV Study Bible
Paul uses an agricultural metaphor to encourage the Galatians to live by the Spirit. A person cannot engage in works of the flesh (5:19) and expect to experience God’s life.
Eternal life is not limited to life after death but begins in the present, as the believer is transformed by God’s Spirit (5:22–23; Romans 8:2, 10–11).
Although believers cannot justify themselves by their actions, good works reflect the love of God and have a central place in the lives of His people (Ephesians 2:10). Paul urges the Galatians to bless everyone through their good works. While believers should do good to all people, they should particularly assist those who belong to the community of believers. Faithlife Study Bible
Job 4:8
Even as I have seen,
Those who plow iniquity
And sow trouble reap the same.
Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
1 Corinthians 15:58
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.
2 Corinthians 9:6
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
It seems that the nagging question, “But what if this—the life we chose, or the life we are living—is the wrong life?
Have I done bone-headed things with my life? To be sure.
Have I miscalculated and misused talent or opportunity? Assuredly.
Have I wrestled with depression and the weight of life gone awry? Yes, I have.
Does it benefit me to wish that I were elsewhere and otherwise? I don't think so.
What I know for certain is that starting down that path of determining “right or wrong” life, assures the fact that we will avoid (and definitely miss) this life.
This week, let us hear the invitation—embrace the freedom to be awake and invested, in this life, in this moment... the very one we are living today.
As Dewitt Jones puts it, “To not only be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world.”
I love this. Not only is this the life to live...
In doing so, you bring your whole heart.
In doing so, you make a difference.
Thank you, to every one of you, for the difference you make. “This little light of mine…”
So… “Let us not darken the joy of resurrection,” Thomas Merton reminds us, “by remaining in captivity and darkness, but let us live as free men and women who have been called out of the darkness and into the light.” Sabbath Moments
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