Sowing Seeds

In these words, we find a commonly-used phrase: You reap what you sow.

Read Galatians 6:7-16.

In these words, we find a commonly-used phrase: You reap what you sow. This is generally used when we see someone behaving badly and we anticipate some sort of comeuppance. But in these verses, Paul encourages the faithful to sow the seeds of the Spirit. Remember, in the previous chapter, he gave a partial list of the fruit of the Spirit and included traits like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.

While there are weeds that tend to pop up every so often, the seeds of the Spirit return a much more abundant harvest than those of the flesh. And the best place to plant those seeds? In relationship with others. Paul says, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all….” (I intentionally omit the end of that sentence because I bristle at the idea that those within the community of faith should be favored over those who are not.)

This passage brings to mind Jesus’ parable of the sower. If the soil is fertile and the seed is good, it’s going to take root. May we consider the seeds we sow in the words we speak, in the way we treat others, and in the way we respond to the needs of the world around us. In prayer, ask God to fill you with a fruitful spirit and for a bountiful harvest of any seeds you may be sowing.

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