“For whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

Clearly designed sign posts help us navigate through our confusing worlds. Because Christ loves us dearly, he left us distinct instructions to help us thrive as we navigate bumps, detours, and long stretches of mundane miles along the way. One of his most quoted statements, recorded by the apostle Paul, succinctly summarizes much of the Lord’s teachings: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Jesus startles us with this thought since we usually veer in the opposite direction. How remarkable that only in giving gifts away do we experience the over-the-top joy that outshines anything we could possibly receive.

 When the Holy Spirit fills us to the brim with himself, he settles within us and pours out of us the most wonderful treasures. In some amazing way, his sacred presence produces “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22).

If we are treated lovingly, if joy seeps into our days, if peace becomes part of our inner fabric, if kindness is extended to us, if we encounter goodness and faithfulness at the hands of another, if someone responds to us in a gentle and self-controlled manner, we are delighted with these gifts.

Paul repeatedly makes it crystal clear that we are to also be intentional about giving these very gifts away. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14).

God’s Word promises us that “Whatever one sows that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). If we plant rose bushes, with time we get to fill our vases with these fragrant buds. If we plant orange trees, we will eventually enjoy the sweet, juicy taste of citrus. Perhaps not immediately, but as we are loving, peaceful, gentle and kind to others, God says that we will experience these rich gifts ourselves. What a lovely thought!

In like manner, God warns us implicitly that if we act in ways that do not honor him we will reap dire consequences. If our behavior is unloving, impatient, unkind, harsh, greedy, or selfish, these will be dumped back on us. Certainly not a harvest we ever want on our hands!

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9).

Elizabeth A Mitchell

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