“There is a high cost to healthy relationships.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 6, 2024
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9
It seems like each day is an opportunity to do the hard things. A hard conversation with a work colleague about unmet expectations. A hard meeting with a boss on ways to do better. A hard discussion with a child about being respectful and diligent. A hard health issue that is painful and requires the hard work of ongoing medical attention. A hard person who seems unable to soften his/her heart. Yet, when we do the hard things, the Lord shows up to bless us in unique ways.
The difficult conversation at work becomes an opportunity to be more authentic and productive, elevating respect for one another. A tense meeting with a boss clarifies how to prioritize better what’s most important. An emotional discussion with a child helps him or her learn how to become a better follower of Jesus in the safe environment of home. A challenging health issue grows dependence on the Lord and a deeper love and empathy for others who are hurting. Difficult people expand our need for grace and help us to see their need for prayer and healing.
Paul reminds us of the exhaustion associated with doing what is good. Resilience is assumed for a faith engaged in doing good…let’s not grow tired. Staying up all night with a sick child, maybe you did not have enough coffee to recover the next day, but there was a sense of peace knowing you loved your little one well. Feeding someone a meal when you barely have enough to feed your family, but those you love the most learn how generous hospitality makes everyone smile, especially the Lord Jesus. Paying off debt is hard, as you may have to delay a vacation or car purchase. But then you experience the joy of financial freedom to freely give and serve!
Paul goes on to say that those who don’t give up will be blessed in the Lord’s timing. To not give up means to stand up, show up, and serve up. And yes, your steady plodding does lead to prosperity (Proverbs 21:5, TLB). It may or may not be financial prosperity, but it is undoubtedly relational and spiritual prosperity. This reminds me of the high cost of a healthy marriage.
My wife Rita and I have a Zoom marriage counseling session with Dr. Rick on occasion. Over the years, we have had these marriage tune-ups to cover any existing issues and, hopefully, prevent future relational challenges. Communication is often the key to relational health; the same goes for our marriage. Our hour-long meeting is a safe space for us to share concerns or hurts with a trusted Christian counselor. Love keeps no record of wrongs, and this intentional time allows us to process out loud any pain. Maybe we unknowingly dinged each other’s hearts, and this time investment is a healthy environment for relational repair. Hard but fruitful work!
Are you growing weary in well-doing? If so, look up and be inspired by the look of love and a smile on the face of your heavenly Father. Do you feel His pleasure? Be inspired to know in your heart that you are following the heart of your Savior and Lord Jesus, who also persevered in the face of pain, “For the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame,” Hebrews 12:2. Charles Spurgeon’s sermon quote is fitting, “If we are weary in the work, let us not be weary of it.” God gives rest to the weary from good works, so keep doing the hard things. And in the process, the Lord’s love becomes sweeter and the fruit of the Spirit brims in and through you.
Prayer
Lord, grant me strength to persevere through difficult tasks. Help me embrace challenges with courage and faith, trusting that You’re with me, guiding me toward growth and purpose in each step. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Application
What is one hard thing you can do today?
Related Reading
Isaiah 41:10; Romans 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:9; James 1:12
Worship Resource
Brandon Lake: Hard Fought Hallelujah
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