Galatians And Good Deeds

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."

Galatians 6:9-10

As a family, we have been looking for a church off and on for some time.  The question that has often come up in our search has been, "do we fit here?"  While attending one church sporadically, we felt disconnected to it.  Maybe it was because we didn't know anyone and it was so large that everyone seemed distant.  Either way, it wasn't the right fit for our family.

In August, we had a play date with a friend of my oldest son, O.  While the boys were playing, his Mom and I began talking.  When she mentioned her church family, I told her we were looking for a church and asked her a bit more about it.  She gave me the information and I thought it would be a great place to try.  

Since that day, we have only gone twice, yet we are already feeling more connected to this potential church home than we have at any other place so far.  People are friendly and inviting.  Yesterday, the boys enjoyed children's church and the sermon my husband and I heard was wonderful. While the entire message was inspiring, one of the verses mentioned in particular really stuck with me.  When I heard it, I grabbed a pen to write it down so I would not forget.  Today, I  wanted to share it with you.

Galatians 6: 9-10 (see above) speaks of not growing tired of doing good.  I've always enjoyed doing for others.  There is such joy in helping and giving.  When someone appreciates what you have done, it's much easier to continue on with your good deeds.  However, when someone takes advantage of or is truly ungrateful and unkind, it's easy to grow weary of selfless actions.  

Mistreating those that help you is beyond my comprehension.  Yet, it happens all the time.  A couple of years ago I learned how hurtful people can be, even though you've gone above and beyond for them.  It was a blow that I cannot fully express in words.  It took a while for me to "shake it off" and move forward.  My heart could have grown beyond weary of doing good things at that point and given up.  I'm so grateful that it didn't.

Overall, my life has been blessed because of the things I have been able to do for others.  Whether it's friends that I have made or the experiences I've had, it's summed up in one simple word... joy.  I thank God for giving me a heart of compassion & giving.

Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do! 

(a phrase taught & learned at my sons' school)

 Doing good for others doesn't mean performing world changing actions.  Big or small, each good deed means something to someone... even if it's just you.   What can you do for those around you?  

What has God given you a heart for? 

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