HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED this situation? You went out of your way to bless someone in need. You did your best to help that person and it cost you significantly. But nobody recognised your efforts. No one showed appreciation for your sacrifices. Consequently, negative thoughts and self-doubt start to set in. Your emotions spiral downward. You descend into sustained discouragement. You want to give up and quit trying to do good. Some critics rub salt into your wounds: “Why so stupid? There are better investments of your time – better returns!” You end up wondering: Why do I even bother? Is it still worthwhile to do good? Some of us might be going through such difficulties today. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (v.9). He points us past our labours to the prize at the end. God promised that those who persevere in doing good will reap a harvest. Jesus taught us to consider others’ interests and not just our own, and to help those in need even when it is costly or inconvenient.¹³ We must not lose heart. We must persist with patience and continue in the good works that God has entrusted to us. While God may not tell us exactly when the harvest will come, He has told us that it will come “in due season”. Therefore we are to trust God and leave the timing to Him. We shall reap if we do not give up! May we be strengthened by that promise today and press on!

¹³ Philippians 2:3-4; Luke 6:32-35.