“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

In Paul's conclusion to his letter of admonition to the churches of Galatia, he redirects their minds to a vitally important point to encourage them as they continue on in their church lives. Actually, he begins the end back in the 5th chapter, especially when he says the true thing that is validated in the life of a believer is faith which worketh by love (Galatians 5:6) Paul gives the same message to the church at Thessalonica as well! This thought/theme was prevalent on the mind of Paul with regard to the membership of the churches. He stresses this mindset in Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, well, I reckon in ALL of his epistles. So it is proven that this lesson is critical in the lives of believers.

Paul actually encourages the Galatian members to help the brethren that had led them astray by getting them to see the error of their ways. He describes such a one as “ye which are spiritual” - further emphasizing the right mindset in day-to-day interactions with both those who are part of the church as well as those who are not. This spiritual mindset, coupled with standing fast in the liberty of Christ, and operating in faith which worketh by love are not only the driving factors of our actions but display in what mind we should be when doing that which is right.

He says not to be weary (don’t faint, don’t quit) in doing the right thing. Someone might ask, “What’s right?”, and the only way to see that is standing in the liberty of Christ with a spiritual mindset and walking by faith that is moved by love. Paul spends some time in the Philippian letter describing the mind that we should maintain in our walk of faith:

Everything Paul lists here is what constitutes that which is right in our doing. It was the mind of Christ that he exemplified in His life here and, by that faith, we take on this mind in our walk with others in our lives! If we faint not, then we will be likeminded, walking in love, being in agreement, esteeming other better than ourselves, looking after those things that our brothers and sisters need! That’s doing what’s right!

The reaping we enjoy is spiritual harmony and unity with one another. Ephesians 4:1-3 also signify the same things. We have no excuse to be otherwise! But Paul being Paul, takes it to yet another level! He tells us when we should “do good.” He says that in every season, always and at any given time, at every circumstance presented to us, we should “do good” to ALL MEN! He qualifies his teachings to extend to those we come in contact with, even if they are not a part of the church. This isn’t a new ideology here - Paul references the same in other writings as well (makes me think of 1 Timothy 2, right?)

The old adage of “be kind to everyone because we don’t know what battles they may be facing in their lives” rings true. “A soft answer turneth away wrath…” (Proverbs 15:1) The importance of doing good to all men goes to the core of who we are through Him that has given us life! Jesus Christ is the prime example of this whole lesson!

Finally, Paul takes the reader back to his main thought by saying, “...especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” If he tells us to do good to all men, but then says ESPECIALLY to those who are of the church, how important of a lesson does it end up being? I submit that the lesson is of such a critical nature that we would be in grave error if we aren’t doing good ESPECIALLY to those who are of the church! The church should be as important in our eyes as it was in Paul’s. Our thought toward the church should be such that we would do nothing BUT good to one another.

There is enough strife, turmoil, and yes, even hatred in this world to discourage us all and then some. So doing good in God’s House seems to be the antidote to the evil that’s in the world. If we are standing in the liberty of Christ, walking by that great faith that worketh by love, and wrapping ourselves in the mind of Christ, how could we NOT do good and show nothing but love for our brothers and our sisters.

May God help us each and every day to do so.