“We Reap what we Sow”

An Overview of Galatians

By Joe Guagliardo

Galatians 6:6-10

“We Reap what we Sow.”

July 13, 2023

“To reap is “to gather a crop” and to sow, “to plant seeds.” Throughout versions of the Bible, sowing is used as a metaphor for one’s actions and reaping for the results of those actions.”

(Dictionary.com)

We all do it. We reap what we sow.

If we are kind to others, they will generally be kind to us. If we give of our time and talents to others and the church, there is generally reciprocation when we need it most.

As most of you know, my first 28 years in the workforce were in the food industry. At one time, I had a district manager who was not very nice. He was generally critical and hostile towards people, including myself.

One day I found out he had been fired. He was in his mid-50s and had to start over again. No one ever told me why he was let go, but I had my suspicions. I saw him the day after he was fired. I shook his hand and wished him well. He told me, “I’ll bet you’re glad you won’t have to see me anymore.” I looked him in the eye and said, “That’s not true; I feel bad that you are unemployed.”

Today’s verses from Galatians also address the issue of reaping what you sow. Let’s take a look:

“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows’ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 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 to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galatians 6:6-10

It’s okay to have money. As a matter of fact, it’s okay to be rich. The question is, what are you, using your riches on? First of all, don’t believe for a minute I am preaching we should give all of our riches to the church.

But, God teaches us, not to be greedy, to help others, and to support the church.

The first line of this passage says:

“the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”

What is Paul saying? We should share what we have with others. We should especially look out for and help fellow believers. Yes, we can do that on an individual basis. But we can also do that through our support of the church.

It’s interesting how Paul continues:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.”

We cannot be contemptuous of God. We should not be disrespectful of Him. God knows everything. If we think we can get away with reaping what we do not sow, we are wrong!

In the rest of the verse, Paul talks about reaping and sowing. Reaping or attempting to reap what we do not sow disrespects God and man.

My favorite line from this passage is:

 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.“

Doing good is our outward way of responding to God’s love (Grace). We sow our love of God to others. We do this because we love God. What we reap is someday to enjoy everlasting life with our Lord.

As I said earlier, and Paul relates at the end of this passage; When we have the opportunity, we should do good for others, especially for believers. What does doing good for others look like?

Share a meal with someone who needs to talk or is just in need of food. Working at outreach opportunities the church and community have to offer. Most of all, love others, listen to them and help where you can.

You and I are God’s hands and feet. Let us do good, and sow good, as we love God and others.