“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Can the Christian become weary of doing good? The inspired apostle would not have written this exhortation if it were not possible. Why would a child of God grow weary of doing good? If we feel like despite our best efforts, we haven’t effected any positive change. If we feel like we are the only ones that are doing good. When we are surrounded by so much wickedness, apostasy, and religious indifference. When we experience more discouragement than encouragement. When we try to share the gospel with those around us, but no one seems interested. When there exists strife, envy, and division in the local church of which we are a member. When these and similar things take place in our life, we may begin to grow weary of doing good.

But despite the trials and tribulations of life, followers of Christ must “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

The work that we are called to do is far too important and our time is too brief to yield to weariness and discouragement and give up. Even in this chapter (Galatians 6), Paul gave these saints (and saints today) specific instructions of how they need to be “doing good” in various ways. Restore a brother or sister overtaken in any trespass (v. 1). “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (v. 2). “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches” (v. 6). “Do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (v. 10).

If we will keep on keeping on - in doing good, in fighting the good fight of faith, in keeping the faith of Jesus Christ - we will reap everlasting life (6:8) in heaven, if we do not lose heart! So, no matter what, do not give up! As our brother Paul declared: “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).