Verse of the Day 4/24

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 9-11, Luke 20:27-47

 

Good morning,

In yesterday's devotional we considered that "everyone needs compassion".  For today's verse we'll turn once again to Galations chapter 6 where we are encouraged to "do good" to everyone.

 

Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.   NIV
or from the Message

Gal 6:9-10  So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

The recipients of our good deeds are not to be limited to any certain group, however, we have a responsibility to fellow Christians and their needs, as individuals and of churches and organizations.

 

John Calvin wrote, "There are duties which we owe to all men arising out of a common nature; but the tie of a more sacred relationship, established by God Himself, binds us to all believers."

In the previous verses Paul wrote that "whatever one sows, that he will reap".   The compassion spoke of yesterday and the doing good in today's verse should be habitual, a way of life as Christians, no matter what the economic conditions, perhaps even more so in tough economic times.

 

Think of "as we have opportunities".  Do we pass up opportunities for fear of what the next week or month may bring?  Do we give in to the temptation to put off giving for a more financially stable time?

 

Sowing "in the Spirit" at all times is not easy.  But it may be the best way to "cultivate" and attitude of generosity, ready and eager to give of time and money which truly involves sacrifice.

How many opportunities have come your way?  What will be your attitude, will you be prepared for the next one that comes along?

From Barnes Notes - "There is so much opposition to the best plans for doing good; there is so much to be done; there are so many calls on their time and their charities; and there is often so much ingratitude among those whom they endeavor to benefit, that they become disheartened. Such Paul addresses, and exhorts them not to give over, but to persevere." -  for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available at: http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Gal 6:6-18

 

Be Generous and Do Good

 

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

 

7 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.

 

Glory Only in the Cross

 

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

 

Blessing and a Plea

 

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

 

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

 

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.     NKJV