1. Galatians 6:6–10 (ESV)
  2. Application

Christians must do good to all

Galatians 6:6–10 (ESV)

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

Sowing in the Spirit, true and proper worship, means to provide for God’s preachers. It also involves doing good to others.

Doing good is to seek what is best for those around us. It is such a simple command, it is such a basic instruction, yet it is all encompassing. Remaining faithful to your spouse and working hard at your marriage. Being patient with your children, training them in the fear of the Lord. Praying for different church members day by day. Getting involved with the problems faced by a friend. Speaking to, instead of ignoring, the man who asks you for bread. Keeping your promises. Lending a tool to a neighbour in need. Helping to serve with getting a building ready for worship or preparing food to share. Volunteering to clean in your local community. Doing some pro-bono work as a lawyer. Honouring the contract you made with your employer. Opening your home to show hospitality. Inviting someone for lunch. Serving on a committee. Training people to be beekeepers. Visiting the sick and praying for them. Calling your mom or dad. There are so many good things we can do with our time, so many different ways in which we can be of service in this world.

Not only must we do good to those who are our friends and family, but to everyone, enemies included. As we have opportunity, do good to everyone. Why? Because God loved us when we were enemies (Romans 5:10). He loved us even when we were his enemies, and he calls us to do the same.

Of course, we do not have the capacity to serve everyone the same. We are limited by time and space. Limited by the frailties of our mind and body. Limited by our financial resources and obligations. We are not God, we cannot do everything that we would like to do, and so we must make choices. We must prioritize certain tasks, certain people, above others. That is why Paul says we must prioritize helping those who belong to the family of believers.