Down an Unfamiliar Road

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLIII)

I like what William A. O’Conor (1820-1894) says about doing good to everyone. There is no need, he says, for coming up with ingenious methods and hunting for occasions to do charitable work. Ordinary life gives us daily opportunities for practicing this fruit of the reborn spirit. We are to take every gift God gives us to do what’s right. Both when it’s convenient and inconvenient. People who go out looking for chances may stop searching if they don’t find what pleases them, or try something different made available to them. That’s because they know they’ll get less notice and applause when they do certain things that are unnoticed.

O’Conor also says that the phrase “Doing good” is somewhat vague, and may allow doing something evil so that good may come of it. In each case, we should do the thing that is precisely right and good. The Greek adjective agathos Paul uses here can mean doing something beneficial, useful, pleasant, excellent, and upright. Thayer, in his Greek Lexicon, says that agathos in this verse means “doing what is upright, honorable, and acceptable to God.” ^[1] It’s another way of saying do good when it is appreciated and do good when it is unappreciated, as long as God values it. And Paul knew this went against the Jewish Law, which states to do good to only to other Jews. But by doing what’s right to all those we meet, we can learn to do good to those whom we have not yet met.^[2]

Edward Huxtable ((1833-1893) feels that Paul is saying here in verse ten that our efforts should include all people. God lets rain fall on both the good and the bad.[3] Furthermore, it must also consist of those around us who do not necessarily share our values or points of view. Whatever we do for others, it must be for their benefit, not ours.^[4] Our behavior should never be marked with treating one class of people better than another.^[5] Doing things without bias, discrimination, and bigotry was an entirely new idea to the Gentile world and scarcely heard of in the Jewish community. However, the Book of Jonah teaches us that. But Paul does go on to say that charity begins at home. Show love to those outside the congregation of the Anointed One. Show the same passion to those inside the body of the Anointed One.^[6]

Paul knew how hard it was to keep oneself motivated in doing good things for others at the cost of their resources and even their health, especially when it goes unappreciated or not used for its intended purpose. At the same time, Paul did not want the Galatians to take his cheerleading on helping others by overdoing it or try to outdo each other.  So, he encourages them before they become exhausted, trying to meet every need to “keep their eye on the goal.” Like a farmer fighting the heat, hard ground, and sowing seed in what looks like endless rows, Paul is trying to motivate them to start dreaming of that same empty field ripening into a great harvest.

Even a casual observer can see that to remain healthy and do an admirable job of reaching out to someone in need would require the fruit of the spiritual oneness with the Anointed One in sterling quantity. No one can keep up such humanitarian efforts with no end in sight, especially when those we attempt to reach are less than hospitable. As believers, we must always view the compassion we have for those suffering and in need, and our endeavors to meet those needs, as something we do according to the will of God. The essence of transforming love becomes not only an expression of mercy to those we serve but also an expression of appreciation to God. If our involvement is only generated out of obligation or wanting to make ourselves look good, weariness will come quickly, and discouragement will follow even quicker. We can see the difference in being told to dig a hole in the ground for no reason or ask to dig a hole to find water because the family was dying of thirst.

Paul wanted them to understand that they should not look for instant success or reward.  God will send a harvest in His own time. But what kind of crop should they anticipate? When you take the time and effort to reach out to others, and they reward you with support, whatever you do, says Paul, don’t feel obligated out of guilt to turn around and repay them in some form for their giving. You receive a gift and then give something as a “thank you” in return to the donor. The benefactor then, in turn, gives you another token of their love for you, and you give back another “appreciation momento” to them for the contribution they just gave you. How much longer can this go on? No, no! Let God bless them for their generosity. Otherwise, it would only make them feel like they were loaning you the good things they share. Remember, God blesses both the giver and receiver.

Grant Osborne sums up verses nine and ten by saying that Paul stresses the positive side of the caution in verses seven and eight, in fact, of all of 5:13–6:8, as the consequences of doing good. The Galatians needed to sow good deeds, and when they did so, they would reap a “harvest” of rewards. Life in the Spirit at the community level will always include good works as the faithful “bear each other’s burdens” and take care of their leaders. The “good” of which Paul speaks here is primarily sharing one’s resources to care for the needs of others.

But Osborne also points out that there is the danger of “becoming weary” and then to “giving up” in terms of caring, about which Paul also warned the Thessalonians: “Never tire of doing what is good.” ^[7] It may well have been an issue based on seeking earthly pleasure and spiritual laziness of the kind expressed in Hebrews.^[8] The Galatians needed to fight such worldly tendencies and center on what God called them to do: Share and do good. Osborne says we should make it a goal for today’s Church, as well as the reason for a church to develop and maintain a program of congregational care.[9]

Richard Longenecker makes a good point about what Paul says here in verse ten about keeping the saints in mind when sharing our goods with others. Earlier, Paul said, you make sure that you do good works that are beneficial to all humanity. But here he seems to restrict it mainly to those in the fellowship of believers. Is this a contraction, asks Longenecker? Not at all. Paul merely points out that believers get so involved helping unbelievers outside the church, they take no notice of believers inside. It’s like a mother getting so engaged in assisting orphans that she doesn’t notice the needs of her children. And pastors sometimes get so excited about the new people in the congregation with follow-up visits and personal attention that they don’t notice some of the regulars who stopped coming.^[10]

I remember traveling to a remote coal-mining region of Yugoslavia to preach for a small but vigorous congregation that met in a converted farm shed. It was the first time any preacher from outside the country had traveled to their village to minister to them. These people lived on meager incomes, to begin with, but as Christians, they were further disadvantaged because only those who joined the Communist Party received the higher-paying jobs. After a song and short prayer, I preached for almost two hours (which included a translation of course) as the congregation responded with enthusiasm. Then they sang for about an hour, after which the interpreter told me they wanted another sermon, and if I didn’t have anything, give my testimony. It went on for another hour and a half. Nobody got up and left; no one fell asleep, and not one sat back and did not join in.

Afterward, when we went to the pastor’s house, we enjoyed a wonderful meal of fried pig fat about two inches thick with crackly skin, along with a stack of potato pancakes and rich, dark syrup. My interpreter came to me and handed me an envelope, explaining that the people wanted me to have this. I figured it might be a picture or some souvenir from that area. Instead, it was an offering of Yugoslavian Dinar equal to about $25.00 – a substantial sum in their economy. My first inclination was to refuse it and tell the translator to give it back because they could use it a lot more than me.

However, the Holy Spirit immediately admonished me and told me to keep it because by returning it, I would be giving the impression it wasn’t enough; or that the money of poor people wasn’t worth anything to me. The Spirit convicted me that in so doing, I would be stealing their blessing of giving to the Lord.  I quietly thanked the Holy Spirit for His guidance and told the interpreter to tell the people how humbled and blessed I was for their generosity and would pray God’s most abundant blessings on them. They had shared their good things with me and showed God their appreciation for Him sending a preacher to preach the Good News and encourage them to remain healthy and faithful during this time of trial and hardship.  In the end, I was the one most blessed.

Likewise, Paul wanted to encourage the saints in Galatia not to grow impatient or weary in sharing good things with their preachers and teachers and sharing each other’s burdens. In so doing, Paul spoke of their reaping a harvest, an increase of more fruit of the spiritual oneness with the Anointed One, and the blessings and favor of God on the sower’s life and ministry.  Remember, one seed of wheat produces many heads of grain; one apple seed gives birth to a tree full of apples. But just as the harvest comes in its season, so at the right time, the spiritual yield will come. There is always the lapse of time between sowing and reaping. Just don’t become exhausted or exasperated and give up or give in before harvest time.

[1] Cf. Romans 2:7, 10; 5:7; 7:12, 13; 8:28; 9:11; 10:15; 12:2, 9, 21; 13:4

[2] O’Conor, William A. On Galatians, pp. 100–101

[3] Matthew 5:45

[4] See Colossians 3:23; 3 John 1:5

[5] Ephesians 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

[6] Pulpit Commentary: op. cit., Galatians, Exposition, Edward Huxtable, p. 305

[7] 1 Thessalonians 3:13

[8] Hebrews 5:11; 6:12

[9] Osborne, G. R. On Galatians: Verse by Verse, op. cit., pp. 207–208

[10] Longenecker, Richard N. On Galatians, Volume 41, op. cit., Kindle Location 14096

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLII)

That’s why Paul instructed the Galatians to take every opportunity available to do what God wants them to do, especially their ministry to those of weaker faith who are part of God’s household. That’s why the preacher in Ecclesiastes told his flock that every time they see work that needs to be done, to do it to the best they can. Because in the grave, there is no work. There is no thinking, no knowledge, and there is no wisdom. And we are all going to the place of death.^[1] No wonder Jesus informed His critics that He healed people on the Sabbath because He needed to do everything possible while it was still daytime, so He continues doing the work of the One who sent them. The night is coming when no one can work.^[2]

And since we are to be more and more like Jesus, His example is for us to follow. Later on, Jesus told His disciples that the Light would be with them for only a short time more. So, they were to work while they had daylight. That way, darkness would not overtake them before they finished because people don’t know where they’re going or how to live without any of God’s instructions.^[3] Surely Paul understood what Jesus was saying because he told the Ephesians they were to be careful how they behaved; these were difficult days ahead. So, don’t be foolish; be wise: make the most of every opportunity for doing God’s work.^[4] And to the Colossians, Paul said that they were to be careful in the way they conducted themselves, especially when they were around unbelievers. They were to use that time to God’s advantage.^[5]

Paul did not want anyone to forget that Jesus, the Anointed One gave Himself for us. He died to free us from all evil. He died to make us pure – those people who belong only to Him and who always want to do what’s right.^[6] The Psalmist expressed it this way: “Trust the Lord and do what’s right. Then you will live comfortably in the land and feel safe.” ^[7] And, as Paul told the Thessalonians, don’t think it necessary to get back at people who did you wrong. Instead, treat everyone fairly, beginning with your fellow believers, and then do the same for everyone else.^[8] And Paul shared this motto with Titus: Make people understand all that I’ve taught you. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing what’s right. These things are beneficial to everyone.” ^[9] Also, the writer of Hebrews told his readers not to forget to do good and to share what they have with others because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God.^[10]

As odd as it may sound, apparently Paul found out that some of the Galatians were following the obligation that the Council in Jerusalem placed on Gentiles by giving to the poor, but were not as excited about giving to their fellow believers. So, He reminded them that charity begins at home. Or as it is said another way: “The light that shines the furthest shines brightest at home.” It complied with what Jesus told His followers, that anyone who does what His Father in heaven wants is His true brother and sister and mother.^[11] Our Lord uses a parable to show that any good a person does for their fellow believer, is doing the same for their God.^[12]

After all, as Paul explained to the Ephesians, believers of every nation, race, color, and culture are no longer strangers and foreigners. We are fellow citizens, along with all of God’s holy people. We are members of God’s big family.^[13] We don’t do this just for looks or to get the applause of others, as the writer of Hebrews tells us, the Anointed One is faithful in ruling God’s house as His Son. And we are God’s house, we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.^[14] Not only that, but because of that, God is fair, and He will remember all the work we have done. He will not forget that we showed our love to Him by showing love to His people and continued to help them.^[15]

The Apostle John does not hold back on making it clear that this is not a game; this is for real; this is something we must take seriously. He wrote: Brothers and sisters, don’t be surprised when the people of this world don’t like you. We know that we were once spiritually dead, but now we have been given new life. We know this because we love each other as brothers and sisters. Anyone who does not show love to their fellow believers is still spiritually dead. And anyone who dislikes a fellow believer has the mind of a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life.

John goes on to say that this is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave His life for us. So, we should give our lives for each other as brothers and sisters. Suppose a believer, who is rich enough to have all the necessities of life, sees a fellow believer who is underprivileged and does not have even basic needs. What if the rich believer does not help the poor one? Keep this in mind, we will know for sure, by our actions, if we are on God’s side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.^[16] For if you believe that Jesus is the Anointed One – and that He is God’s Son and your Savior – then you are a child of God. And that you love the Father and His children too.^[17]

All of what Paul is telling the Galatians here about helping each other was not new to Him. Even as a Pharisee, when he visited the Temple in Jerusalem, he noticed that there were two chambers in the Temple, one called the “Hall of discreet donors,” and the other “The chamber of vessels.” The Jewish Mishnah explains to us that the room for the discreet donors served those God-fearing people who would discreetly place their gifts in it. Then, the poor, descending from good families, could support themselves without public knowledge. The chamber of vessels served those who wanted to contribute containers to the Temple; they would put them there. And once in thirty days, the treasurers would open them up. Any vessel found which was able to be used directly for the upkeep of the Temple they would leave. They sold the rest, and the funds went to the chamber for the Temple upkeep.^[18]

That’s why Jesus and His Apostles always made sure that people knew they were not to make a big deal out of helping their less fortunate brothers and sisters. Here in the Mishnah, they are called “discrete donors.” What they do for others may be appreciated and of great value, but for themselves, they remain anonymous and invisible. That God sees them is reward enough.

COMMENTARY

Marius Victorinus believes that Paul is insistent that we are to work, to work hard, and to work it in such a way that we show no partiality toward any individual. The truth is, says Victorinus, we only do that which is excellent and useful for all. For indeed, if love lifts a person and they feel loved, then every act of kindness works for the benefit of everyone. However, Paul makes the point that all the good we do on behalf of others should begin with our fellow believers. They are the ones who believed and trusted in the Anointed One and the Father who sent Him.

Victorinus also notes that Paul comes to the climax of his argument, making this specific point. It was particularly relevant to the Galatians. For they, by making certain additions to their faith from Judaism, were not acting out of loyalty. They believed that they would gain fruit from works and ritual observances. Therefore, he emphasizes that they begin with the household of believers because they trusted only in the Gospel, that is, in God and the Anointed One.^[19]

Jerome believes that all the things we say are like seeds being sown in two fields: a sinful swamp and spiritual soil. If what comes out from our hand, mouth, and heart is useful, it is planted in the Spirit and will produce the fruit of eternal life. If it is unuseful, when harvested from the swamp of sinful nature, it will grow an unsavory crop of corruption for us. It should be observed that to the one who sows in their sinful nature is sowing “to the flesh.” But the one who plants in their reborn soul is sowing “in the Spirit.” They will reap a harvest of delicious and nutritious spiritual fruit to share with everyone.^[20]

Thomas Aquinas takes the opportunity to express how he sees these instructions of Paul that we help each other in carrying out our duties. Someone asked Aquinas if it is lawful to love one person more than another? Aquinas responded by saying that we should observe that love can be called greater or lesser in two ways. In one way, from the standpoint of the receiver. Another way, from the intensity of the giver. To love someone is to will good things for them. Accordingly, one can love one person more than another, either because they give them more because of their greater need, which is the object of love. Or because they think they deserve more in light of how they will use it.

Therefore, concerning the first, we ought to love everyone equally, because our goal is that all should have eternal life. However, regarding the second, it is not necessary that we love everyone equally since the intensity of any act depends on the principle of the greatest and most urgent need. Aquinas feels that we should love those we know less about with a higher degree of love than those we know very well.^[21]

Alexander Maclaren stated that “Jesus the Anointed One can redeem the world Himself, but He chose not to without the help of His servants.” Jesus said he desired that we carry the Gospel to all humanity by His Incarnation and Sacrifice. Therefore, what He called us to do was not achieved in the manger nor the cross on Calvary alone. He intended that those He called would participate in carrying out His ministry to the world.^[22]

To this, I add that those called to be part of this great ministry are guides in this world is to lead the lost to the Light, where they can receive forgiveness and eternal life. It is a great honor and privilege to do so. It is necessary because instead of Jesus taking all the inheritance He is to receive for His work and sacrifice here on earth, He decided on His own to share it with those who are also willing to be part of His suffering. Paul shared this with one of his protégés: “If we die with Him, we will also live with Him. If we remain faithful to Him even in suffering, we will also rule with Him.” ^[23]

[1] Ecclesiastes 9:10

[2] John 9:4

[3] Ibid. 12:35

[4] Ephesians 5:15-16

[5] Colossians 4:5

[6] Titus 2:14

[7] Psalm 37:3

[8] 1 Thessalonians 5:15

[9] Titus 3:8

[10] Hebrews 13:16

[11] Matthew 12:50

[12] Ibid. 25:40

[13] Ephesians 2:19; cf. 3:15

[14] Hebrews 3:6

[15] Ibid. 6:10

[16] 1 John 3:13-19

[17] Ibid. 5:1

[18] Jewish Mishnah: Division Mo’ ed, Tractate Shekalim, Chapter 5, Section 6

[19] Victorinus, Marius: Edwards, M. J. (Ed.). On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 98-99

[20] Jerome: Edwards, M. J. (Ed.). op. cit., On. Galatians, pp. 97-98

[21] Aquinas, Thomas, op. cit., loc. cit.

[22] Maclaren, Alexander, Expositions of Holy Scripture, Galatians, loc. cit.

[23] 2 Timothy 2:12

When we hear the name King Solomon, most of us immediately think about his wisdom. The royal recorder of kings tells us that King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.[1] Some people think of wisdom as knowledge, but that is not the case. You can know a lot of things but it is useless unless you know how to use it.

Psychologists tell us that wisdom can be acquired only through experience, but by itself, experience does not automatically bestow wisdom. Researchers are probing the social, emotional, and cognitive processes that transmute experience into wisdom. Psychologists tend to agree that wisdom involves an integration of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding that incorporates tolerance for the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs. There’s an awareness of how things play out over time, and it negotiates a sense of balance.

Researchers found that there are five strengths that operated beneath wisdom’s umbrella:

• Creativity
• Curiosity
• Judgment
• Love of Learning
• Perspective

Each of these strengths exists in every person to some degree. They also can increase in prominence as you learn to use them more. These strengths are part of a larger list consisting of twenty-four.

You can learn about all 24 of your character strengths and see how each rank. (Visit ViaCharacter.org.)

Some people define wisdom as expert knowledge about practical life. Many authors have tried to identify the specific components associated with wisdom. While they vary somewhat, authors tend to point out the following elements:

• Interpersonal skills. Level of knowledge, sensitivity, and sociability when relating to others. Interpersonal skills allow an individual to adapt to other’s needs and have the most effective interaction possible.
• Communication skills and good judgment. Wisdom, which people usually relate to experience, implies having knowledge and being able to give advice. Wise individuals can help people with their problems and come up with practical solutions that others can’t see.
• Understanding. Wise people, who can cultivate emotion and life experiences, can understand and empathize with others.
• General competence. This is probably the thing that people most often associate with wisdom. The wise are intelligent, cultured, highly knowledgeable in many fields, and know how to communicate that knowledge.

No doubt we could go on and on with the various views and theories about wisdom. There are too many to list here, but let us select some that point out where wisdom comes from and how it is used.

But there is one source that will give us a definition of wisdom from God’s point of view, and that is the Holy Bible. King David said it all, reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.[2]

It appears that his son Solomon was listening because he also says that reverence for the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.[3] He continues by telling us that the way a fool acts is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.[4] So, says the King, listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.[5]

Furthermore, Solomon has advice for those who want to gain wisdom. He tells us an intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.[6] For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.[7] It will pay off, says Solomon, for a person who finds wisdom is blessed, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are satisfying.[8]

And the importance of wisdom was not lost on our Lord or the Apostles. Jesus told his disciples not to worry when they were confronted by disbelievers or in answering charges against them. At that moment, said our Lord, I will give you wisdom in what to say and I will help you say it. Those who are against you will not be able to stop you or say you are wrong.[9]

Then James, the brother of our Lord advises us that if any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given them.[10] Not only that, but the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.[11] Therefore, says James, those of you who gain wisdom, show it by your good conduct so that others can see how wisdom operates in humility.[12]

The Apostle Paul was also a great fan of wisdom. He told the Corinthians that because of Him you are in union with the Anointed One, Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.[13] And to the Colossians he wrote, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.[14] And to the Ephesians Paul cautioned them to look carefully then how you behave, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.[15]

So, as we can see, wisdom starts with acknowledging there is an all-wise God who is ready to guide and provide for all those who trust in His Word. King David said, only fools do not recognize and acknowledge that God exists.[16] And those who think that God’s Word is not the source of wisdom are in the same category. People like that are all talk and no action. When the Apostle Paul finished dictating his informative and instructive letter to the congregation in Rome, he finished it this way: All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen. When we are finished with our labors here on earth may we be able to say the same. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

[1] 1 Kings 10:23

[2] Psalm 111:10

[3] Proverbs 1:7; Cf. 9:10; 15:33

[4] Ibid. 12:15

[5] Ibid. 19:20

[6] Ibid. 18:15

[7] Ibid. 2:6

[8] Ibid. 3:13-18

[9] Luke 21:15

[10] James 1:5

[11] Ibid. 3:17

[12] Ibid. 3:13

[13] 1 Corinthians 1:30

[14] Colossians 3:16

[15] Ephesians 5:15-17

[16] Psalm 14:1

A MODERN CINDERELLA

Sometimes, when God puts a call on your heart, you can’t help but ask, “Am I crazy?” That’s exactly what pediatric nurse Amber Boyd asked herself when she felt a tug on her heart telling her to take home one of her tiny patients. It wasn’t due to greed or envy that she wanted to take this baby. The baby’s mother thought the child was so ugly she couldn’t stand looking at her. So, she walked away and said, “You can keep her, I don’t want her.”

You see, the reason the mother abandoned the baby because it was born with a rare birth defect. A tumor was growing inside the baby’s nose, which made it so large that it pushed her eyes apart and she looked like an animal. Nevertheless, Amber just knew in her heart that this little girl named Nicole belonged with her.

When tiny Nicole was born, doctors quickly realized she suffered from a rare birth defect called omphalocele. It’s a condition that causes the baby’s gastric organs to grow on the outside of the belly, rather than inside. Because of this, she was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the New Mexico hospital where Amber works.

“Baby Nicole was pretty sick that whole first year and a couple of months of her life,” Amber recalls, “Right around her first birthday, she was making progress, but the intensive care she needed was beyond anything anyone could accommodate at home.”

Nicole’s biological parents had already lost custody of her, and the baby girl belonged to the state. So, the hospital started looking for a medical foster home — one that would be able to keep up with Nicole’s very special needs. And that’s when Amber felt the pull in her heart! Amber had felt a connection with the sick baby girl from day one. “As a nurse, sometimes you bond with patients,” said Amber. “I’ve had that frequently happen throughout my career, but nothing as strong in the way I feel for this child. She was on her own and really sick. I guess it was that motherly instinct. I think it was a bond that was meant to happen.”

And after spending a year caring for her professionally, Amber just knew she was the best person to continue that care at home. “I said, ‘Well, that’s something I could do from home,’” But then I said, “This is crazy, am I crazy?” She ran the “crazy” idea by her husband, who didn’t find it crazy at all! He agreed Nicole belonged in their loving home.

Soon after, Nicole went home with the Boyd’s as a foster child. And Amber says she fit right in! Once it was clear to everyone that this was where Nicole belonged, the loving nurse adopted the sweet girl officially! “Everything this little girl needed they had,” said Camille Walker, Amber’s colleague at the hospital. “It was like she won the lottery with the parents that she got.”

By the time Nicole was 3 years old, she had undergone 13 surgeries to put her organs back inside her body and is shocking everyone by how quickly she’s developed, despite her special needs. But of course, we know it’s because of God’s perfect plan! Now Nicole’s face is taking on a natural look so that it won’t be long before no one will know what she looked like in the beginning.

“I can’t imagine a time without her,” says Taylor, Amber’s husband. “We have only had her for a short amount of time but she has become a huge part of the family.” Amber went on to add, “It is like a perfect fit. I don’t know how to explain it, it was just right.” “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The Psalmist had it right when he said, “For my father and my mother have abandoned me, but the Lord will take me in.” (Psalm 27:10). No doubt, he was able to say that because God told the children of Israel, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). You see, when we felt abandoned by friends because of our new birth defect, the words of Jesus gave us comfort, “I will not leave you abandoned, I will come to you.” (John 14:18) Jesus goes on to say, “Look at the birds; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. You are much more valuable to God than they are.” (Matthew 6:26).

So, there’s no reason for every believer that God is not watching over His new creation in Jesus the Anointed One. You are precious to Him. He loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to die. (Psalm 116:1). But when you do, He will not abandon you but tuck you away into His arms until Jesus comes to get you and take you home to Him. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLI)

Ramsey Aiyer contextualizes these verses this way: “Don’t deceive yourselves into thinking that you can try to keep God’s Law and yet be righteous; You cannot outwit God by sowing one kind of crop and reaping another kind; you cannot, by trying to obey God’s Law conscientiously, be able to live a godly life; a person will always reap just the kind of crop they sow!  If they try to be good in their human strength, living conscientiously by moral principles and standards, which is an exercise of their own human will and effort, they will only become absorbed in a selfish way of life that will lead to sin and corruption. But if they surrender their will to God’s powerful spirit and let it rule and order their life, they will truly be enabled to live a life of holiness, and thus gain life. Yes, what you sow, you will reap.” ^[1]

6:9-10 One more thing, don’t lose your motivation for doing what’s right. If you don’t get discouraged and give up, you will reap great blessings at harvest time. Take every opportunity to be useful, especially to your fellow believers.

 EXPOSITION

But Paul knew that by the Galatians keeping their minds on God’s will and following the teachings of Jesus the Anointed One, and continually listening to the urging of the Holy Spirit is not a casual thing to do. It takes time and effort. So, he wants them to concentrate on the goal and not just on the race. The prophet Malachi addressed a similar problem in his day. And the Lord spoke to him with a message for all the people of God.

Here’s what the Lord said: “My people all around the world respect My Name. From all around the earth, they bring good gifts to Me and burn offerings as a gift to Me because My Name is essential to all of them.” This is what the Lord All-Powerful said to me, says Malachi. “But you people show that you don’t respect My Name. You say that the Lord’s altar is unclean. And you don’t like the food from that altar. You smell the food and refuse to eat it. You say it is terrible. Then you bring sick, crippled, and hurt animals to Me. You try to give sick animals to Me as sacrifices, but I will not accept them.” These words, says Malachi, is what the Lord All-Powerful said to me. “Some people have good animals that they could give as sacrifices, but they don’t. Some people bring good animals and promise to provide those healthy animals to Me. But then they secretly exchange those good animals and give me sick animals instead. Bad things will happen to those people. I am the Great King, and people all around the world respect Me!” Listen to what the Lord All-Powerful said to me, says Malachi.” ^[2]

When we put this into today’s language and church culture, oh my, how this should resonate with the church today. Some people go to church looking for the best praise and worship team, want the most beautiful solos, want the most powerful, and yet least assertive sermons to make them comfortable. However, when asked to take time to pray, study God’s Word, to be involved in ministry, and give to the needs of the neediest members, they don’t have the time or interest. It seems that Paul faced the same dilemma in Corinth. That’s why he wrote telling them my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and steadfast. Don’t let other interests change you. Always offer yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You never waste your time working for the Lord.^[3]

Paul also mentioned to the Romans that some people conduct their lives for God’s glory, for honor, and indestructible future life. They live for those things by continuing to do what’s right at all times. God will give them eternal life.^[4] This is the best way for God’s children to stop uninformed people, says Peter, from saying foolish things about them. It is what God wants His children to do by following His will.^[5] It is far better to suffer for doing what’s right than for doing what’s wrong. It is better to have a desire for what God wants than what we want.^[6] Because, if God lets you go through hardships, you should trust your lives to Him. He is the One who made you, and you can trust Him. So, continue doing what’s right.^[7]

You may not see this come to pass all at once or even in a short time. Moses had the same advice for the children of Israel when he told them that if they remain faithful to doing things God’s way, He will give them rains at the right time. Then the fields will grow crops, and the trees in the grove will grow and bear their fruit.^[8] That’s why the orchard caretaker doesn’t become discouraged because apples do not start developing the next day after the tree’s blossoms bloomed. The Apostle James uses this same illustration to make an identical point.^[9]

However, warns Paul, the end can only be reached if they don’t get tired and quit. Isaiah put it this way. Sometimes even young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys will stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weary. They will walk and not get tired.^[10] But Jesus added another factor for believers to consider. He tells us that the day will come when there will be so much spiritual indifference to sin in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.^[11] When you start feeling discouraged and weary, said Jesus, pray for strength, and never give up.^[12]

Paul wants the Galatians to know what he told the Corinthians, that God never chooses anyone to do the work He desires for them to do, without equipping them with the spiritual secrets they need to know on how to survive.^[13] Paul went through many hardships to preach the Gospel throughout Asia Minor, and the good saints at Ephesus were worried about him, but he told them that all that he went through was for their benefit.^[14] There was no reason for Paul to wish he could do it all over with fewer adversities, but there was no reason to do so. The writer of Hebrews declared that the Anointed One is faithful in overseeing God’s house as the Son. And we are God’s house if we remain confident of the great hope, we are glad to say we have. It gives us the honor of sharing in all that the Anointed One has if we continue until the end, having the same faith we had in the beginning.^[15]

The writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers not to lose the courage they had in the past. You will receive a rich reward for your bravery. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what He promised you.^[16] He then uses Jesus as an example of someone who did not lose courage and quit because what He came to do looked impossible.^[17] And in his Revelation, the Apostle John heard this said by Jesus the Anointed One to the Ephesians: You never stop trying. You have endured troubles for my name and have not given up. So, let everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches. To those who win the victory, I will give the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life, which is in God’s paradise.^[18]

And then to the Church at Smyrna, the Anointed One had this to say: Don’t ever be afraid of what may happen to you. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison. He will do this to test you. You will suffer, but be faithful, even if you end up dying. But if you remain committed, I will give you the reward of eternal life. The second death will not touch those who win the victory.^[19] And to the Church in Pergamum, He says that He will give the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory. He will also give each one a white stone that has a new name written on it. And no one will know this name except the one who gets the stone.^[20]

But the Angel of the Lord is not finished. To the Church in Thyatira, He said that He would give power over the nations to all those who win the victory and continue until the end to do what I want. They will rule the nations with an iron rod. They will break them to pieces like clay pots. They will have the same power He received from His Father, and He will give them the morning star.^[21] And to the Church in Sardis, the Angel said that all would wear white who is victorious. He will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but He will announce before His Father and His angels that they are mine.^[22]

The Angel of the Lord goes on with His message to the Church in Philadelphia. Those who win the victory will be pillars in the Temple of My God. I will make that happen for them. They will never again have to leave God’s Temple. I will write on them the name of My God and the name of the city of My God. That city is the new Jerusalem. It is coming down out of heaven from My God. I will also write My new name on them.^[23] And finally, to the Church in Laodicea, He says, I will let everyone who wins the victory sit with Me on My throne. It was the same with Me. I won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne. Everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.^[24]

Reading these messages from the Anointed One to all assemblies of believers leaves no doubt what Paul told the Philippians is true. We can be confident that the good work God began in us will continue until He completes it on the day when Jesus the Anointed One comes again.^[25] It’s not just our battle, but God’s battle as well. But we cannot sit on our hands and do nothing and expect the Holy Spirit to fight all our battles for us. Soldiers don’t sit in the barracks while the commander goes out and fights the enemy. We are under the command of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One. We must listen to His commandments and do them with all our heart and soul.

[1] Ramsey Aiyer, The Contextual Bible Galatians, loc. cit.

[2] Malachi 1:11-14

[3] 1 Corinthians 15:58; cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Hebrews 12:3

[4] Romans 2:7

[5] 1 Peter 2:15

[6] Ibid. 3:17

[7] Ibid. 4:19

[8] Leviticus 26:4; Deuteronomy 11:14

[9] James 5:7

[10] Isaiah 40:30-31

[11] Matthew 24:12-13

[12] Luke 18:1

[13] 1 Corinthians 4:1

[14] Ephesians 3:13

[15] Hebrews 3:6, 14

[16] Ibid. 10:35-36

[17] Ibid. 12:3-5

[18] Revelation 2:3, 7

[19] Ibid. 2:10-11

[20] Ibid. 2:17

[21] Ibid. 2:26-29

[22] Ibid. 3:5-6

[23] Ibid. 3:12

[24] Ibid. 3:21-22

[25] Philippians 1:6

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXL)

Paul lets any self-appointed experts in Galatia know that their attitude could end up being a form of trying to fool God. Did they think they could sow discord but reap harmony? If you are going to turn your nose up disrespectfully, or sneer at, or make fun of something so sacred, should anyone take you seriously? God calls some of His servants to devote their full time to spreading the Gospel of salvation. But He also allows His people to share their goods with these servants so they can eat, clothe themselves, and have a place to live. Anyone who pretends to be a faithful servant of God, and does not feed the flock the spiritual food needed to help them grow, makes fun of God’s plan. They are in it for their pleasure and to enrich themselves so they won’t have to do secular work for a living.

Paul makes it very clear. People who misuse and abuse the benefits of the ministry for their profit are sowing to their sinful-self.  When you do this, says Paul, you will reveal your corruptive and dishonest nature. Sorry to say, we don’t need to look back to Paul’s day to find examples of such corruption in ministry; it has made headlines in our own country to the detriment of honest efforts in promoting the kingdom of God.

Peter joins Paul in giving the teachers and ministers in Galatia and elsewhere instructions on how to look at being rewarded for their labor. In his first letter, Peter states, “Treat the congregation under your care like a shepherd treats his flock. Don’t lead from behind, but out in front. Don’t do it because you have to, but do it because you want to; that’s God’s way of doing things. Don’t do it for what you expect to get out of it, but do it because you feel called to serve. Don’t treat the flock under your care like a dictator, always telling them what to do. Show them by being an example.” ^[1]

COMMENTARY

Early church writer Marius Victorinus speaks about how putting one’s efforts into how living each day for themselves and placing everything each day for God, differs. What Victorinus saw in the Middle Ages influenced his thinking, but it is no less valid today. As he understands it, in doing good works, from those good works, the Galatians have their hopes. They thought that they should adopt the teaching of the Judaizers to honor the Sabbath. To undergo circumcision, and convinced that doing things of this sort was spiritually healthy. Whoever puts their hope in only what the flesh can provide will be depending on their works to satisfy God. But all they please are their earthly desires. But what kind of fruit is that? Paul is looking for the fruit of the reborn spirit.

 For one thing, says Victorinus, doing things the world’s way is subject to corruption, and this ends up becoming corrupt, then rotting, and destroyed. So, no one ought to put hope in what the flesh can do – that is, any hope on self-righteousness. For if a person puts their confidence in what the flesh can accomplish, all they’ll get is what the flesh can provide. These are the actions of sinful tendencies. Therefore, says Victorinus, it is better to put one’s hope in what the Spirit can accomplish so that our faith is secure in the Spirit, and our reborn spirit whose fruit is from the Spirit. It is what to sow in the Spirit means: to plant eternal life. Admittedly, this life is temporal, not eternal. Those who live in the Spirit and act according to the Spirit, do not depend on the flesh alone. They are sowing for eternity, and this will be their harvest: upon departing from here, they will be ushered into eternal life.^[2]

John Bunyan (1628-1688) takes what Paul says here in verses seven and eight. He proposes the question: What about the person who says they have committed their soul to God to keep for all eternity but failed to make any changes in their day to day efforts to gain salvation by good works because they feel obligated to do so. When a person commits their soul to God for safekeeping, they do so, understanding their commitment as a called servant of God. When a person commits their soul to God, they are made aware of the hazards and dangers that await them from opponents to God’s plan of salvation. However, if we glory in the Cross and Jesus as the Son of God, the Anointed One, then those endangerments may not be realized.

Bunyan continues by saying that when we commit our soul to God for safekeeping, it is a sign that we are ready to go all the way no matter what risks there may be, for we trust God to take charge and take care of our soul’s future. For the person that says in their heart, “I now commit my soul to God,” this is a promise to keep, so they must hold on to their cross in following the Anointed One, even if they end up suffering the same end He did. Therefore, we must make sure that when we talk about leaving our souls in God’s hands, but then continue living loose, idle, profane, and wicked lives. God will not take care of such souls. In reality, they did not commit them to God for His safekeeping. They merely tried to flatter Him and others with their lips and lie to Him with their tongues, thinking they are deceiving the Lord. But for what purpose? Paul says it loudly, and here in verse eight, “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.” ^[3] I’m afraid that many churches today would not invite Bunyan to preach.

Wesleyan theologian Adam Clarke (1762-1832) helps us see another subtle warning in what Paul is saying here, not only to the listeners but to the teachers also. Don’t let ministers or teachers fool themselves into thinking because they feel worthy of support for their ministry; what they sow in teaching and preaching will also be weighed in the balances by the same virtue when harvested.  So, in that context, then verse eight can be seen in a different light. If a minister or teacher is in it only for the financial or material reward, they sow to the flesh. And by sowing to the flesh, God gets no glory in what they are doing. Furthermore, the seeds they sow are just as worthless and will produce very little else except the same attitude in the minds of their listeners.^[4]

In his critical and exegetical commentary, Ernest DeWitt Burton (1856-1925) puts this in perspective. He writes that concerning Paul’s thinking, the attitude of the Galatians towards their teachers is a specific example of their attitude towards life in general. If they are unreceptive to spiritual teachings and, undervaluing it, are unwilling to support their teachers, preferring to spend their money on themselves, they are sowing the seeds of selfishness, and the harvest will be corruption. Burton goes on to say, if they recognize their need for teaching and its value, and open their minds to receive instructions sent to them and willingly contribute so that such training may continue, are sowing seeds in their spiritual life. They will then reap a harvest of eternal life.[5]

John Montgomery Boice believes these Galatians believers must take Paul’s words seriously about any effort to try and fool God. To do so would be deceiving themselves.^[6] Not only that, but they would be mocking God. Boice points to the concept of sowing and reaping a harvest as that which Paul already talked about back in verse eight. That is, if they sow seed in their sinful nature, they will get the works of the flesh.^[7] But if they sow seed in their spiritual life, they will reap the fruit of the reborn spirit.^[8] So if they don’t want to end up being responsible for working up quarreling, conceit, and envy among their fellow believers, then they must decide to bear the Fruit of the Spirit that is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against growing such fruit in the Kingdom of God.^[9]

Richard Longenecker says we must understand that we should couple the phrase “God is not mocked” in verse seven with what Paul says in verse eight that “you cannot sow one thing and reap another.” So, if what you do is intended to gratify your fleshly desires, and you call it good works for the kingdom, you cannot fool God. Likewise, when you are involved in something done to satisfy your spiritual desires, but it is rewarding your sinful passions because you can’t fool God. Therefore, it only follows that Paul would use the allegory of a farmer planting a crop of wheat, and expecting to reap a harvest of corn would be equally foolish. Planting seed in fleshly efforts will lead to bondage while sowing seed in spiritual things will lead to liberty. The results from the first effort are destruction and everlasting life from the second.^[10]

Paul says those who sow to please the Spirit will gather a harvest not only for this life but for the life to come. The spirit of the minister is not only lifted with the response coming from preaching the salvation message, but the souls of those who listen are strengthened and made glad. When a believer sows to the flesh, it is like throwing precious things away, but when they sow to please the Spirit, it is an investment with a high return. One cannot earn eternal life by being a good sower because that is a gift. But what more significant reward could God give to a faithful planter than the promise of being with Him and enjoying His blessings forever?

We noted above that this warning is valid for the congregation, some of whom use God’s blessings to invest in their pleasures instead of pleasing the Spirit. Recently, someone surveyed churches in America and found that only a small percentage of the members pay their tithe. No wonder so many churches are struggling while the members think nothing of buying new laptops, the latest cell phones, digital cameras, shopping online, and keeping up with fashions. All these things will grow obsolete. They have no eternal value. Then they wonder why more and more ministers have to pastor two or three churches just to survive financially.

[1] 1 Peter 5:2-3

[2] Victorinus, Marius: Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[3] Bunyan, John: Practical Works Vol. 8, Advice to Sufferers, Ch. 3, pp. 167-168

[4] Clarke, Adam: Commentary on Galatians, loc. cit.

[5] Ernest DeWitt Burton, Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[6] Cf. Luke 21:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 15:33; James 1:16

[7] Galatians 5:19-21

[8] Ibid. 5:22-23

[9] John Montgomery Boice: The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, op. cit., On Galatians, Kindle Location 9840

[10] Longenecker, Richard N. On Galatians, Volume 41, op. cit., Kindle Location 14022

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXXXIX)

6:8 If you plant seeds belonging to your sinful-self, you will reap crops fit for corruption and condemnation. If, however, you plant seeds belonging to your spiritual oneness with the Anointed One, the Spirit will yield crops suitable for everlasting life.

EXPOSITION

Here Paul seems to take a turn in his narrative and starts down a different road while staying on the same theme of encouraging the congregations in Galatia to share good things with their teachers. However, he raises the issue of principle and ethics. Perhaps Jesus’ parable about the sower whose seed landed on a hard road, rocky ground, ground filled with weeds, and fertile soil, gave Paul the inspiration for this teaching. It will be very easy to see into which soil the call for pastoral and teacher support fell.

So, Paul now advises the Galatians that there is a better alternative to trying to squeeze by with unconfessed and unforgiven sins they think they can hide from God and other believers. Paul cautioned the Romans not to do what he encourages the Galatians to avoid. Do not allow sinful tendencies to use their bodies to do wrong things, but submit themselves to God, as people who have been resurrected and alive in the Anointed One. Instead, to offer their bodies to God for doing good.^[1] Paul does not exclude a person’s talents, gifts, abilities, and intelligence.

The Apostle Paul goes on to tell the Romans and the Galatians that if they use their bodies to do what their sinful tendencies want; they will die spiritually. But if they use the Spirit’s help to stop doing the wrong things some people do with their bodies, they will continue to live in union with the Anointed One.^[2] And the way to do this is for them to be more like their Lord Jesus the Anointed One so that when people see how they live and conduct themselves, they will see the Anointed One motivating them. They should not allow themselves to concentrate on how to satisfy their sinful desires and tendencies.^[3]

All of this adds up to conventional wisdom. Those who participate in sinful activities will reap sorrow. And in the end, they will be made useless to God by the very immoral activities they practiced.^[4] The prophet Jeremiah used another way to express this same truth about trying to do unethical things undercover. He told the children of Israel that such disillusioned people think they are planting wheat, but end up harvesting thorns. They work themselves to the point of exhaustion, but they get nothing for all their labor. They will be ashamed of their crop. The Lord’s displeasure caused this, says Jeremiah.^[5]

And the LORD gave the prophet Hosea the inspiration to tell the people that if they plant goodness, they will harvest faithful love. But if they plant evil, they will harvest trouble. They will eat the fruit of their lies because they did not trust in their abilities and the power of those sent to protect them.^[6] We often hear the words of King Solomon, “Throw your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days,” [7] in a positive light. But it can also have a negative connotation. Let’s call it the “boomerang” effect. You say something evil about another person, and you will get evil things said about you in return.

In his revelation from the Lord’s Messenger, the Apostle John received this warning: Don’t keep secret the words of the prophecy in this book. The time is near for these things to happen. Let anyone doing wrong continue to err. Let anyone unclean remain in pollution. Let anyone who is doing right go on doing what is proper. Let anyone who is living a holy life to maintain their sanctification. Listen, said Jesus, I am coming soon! I will bring rewards with Me. I will repay everyone for what they have done.^[8] That same message should be taken seriously by every believer from now on until He does return.

The Psalmist has an engaging poetic way of expressing the need for believers to remain faithful in both good times and bad times, sickness and sorrow, when hated and when loved. He writes: “Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. He who goes out weeping as he carries his sack of seed will come home with cries of joy as he transports his sheaves of grain.” ^[9] And the Preacher in the First Covenant had this to say: You don’t know where the wind blows. And you don’t understand how a baby grows in its mother’s womb. In the same way, you can’t guess what God will do – and He makes everything happen. So, begin planting early in the morning, and don’t stop working until evening time. You don’t know what might make you prosperous. Maybe everything you do will be successful.^[10] Since that is true of our everyday life, it is certainly true of our spiritual life. The Apostle James indeed says “Amen” to this.^[11]

This commitment is not partial, part-time, temporary, or passing. Listen to the words of Jesus: “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.” ^[12] I can assure you of this having gone to the foreign mission field three times in my life. I had to leave family, friends, a home, and sell all my possessions to get there, but it was worth it all. What the good Lord has given me I could not have earned or purchased. It is all a gift from God.

“So, don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food,” says Jesus. “Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God, the Father has given Me the seal of His approval.” ^[13] That’s why Paul was able to tell the Romans that they were free from sin. They have become servants of God, and the result is that they now only live for God. It will bring them eternal life.^[14] Living totally for God does not mean crawling into a cave and spend the rest of your life in meditation and prayer. Instead, it means being a light to the world, the salt of the earth, and a daily witness to His saving grace.

We heard this same theme in Paul’s confession to young Timothy when he told him that God granted him mercy so that in him Jesus, the Anointed One could show that He has patience without limit. Did not the Anointed One show Paul His patience with him, the worst of all, sinners? He wanted him to be an example for those who would believe in Him and have eternal life.^[15] And to Bishop Titus, Paul wrote that God generously poured out on us the Holy Spirit fully through Jesus the Anointed One, our Savior. We were made right with God by His grace. God saved us so that we could be His children and look forward to receiving a life that never ends.^[16] To this, the Apostle Jude admonishes everyone to keep themselves safe in God’s love, as they wait for our Lord Jesus the Anointed One in His mercy to give them eternal life.^[17]

This concept of reaping what you sow was already an established proverb in Judaism.[18] Roman philosopher, politician, lawyer, orator, political theorist, consul and constitutionalist, Publius Maracus Pinarius Rusca, who lived between 106-43 BC, offered an allegory. Serving as a consul, he held the highest elected political office in the Roman Republic in Rome (489 BC). During those days, he proposed a law for establishing the minimum age for candidates for office and submitted a question to an opponent, Marcus Srevilius. He asked: “Tell me now, Marcus, if I speak against you, will you abuse me as you have done the rest?” Marcus replied, “As you sow, so you will reap.” ^[19]

Another version of this same quotation renders it: “You will reap your sowing.” ^[20]  So Paul was making this statement as a quote known by everyone. I like what early church writer Ambrosiaster said about any attempt to trick God. He writes: “Nobody doubts that God cannot be fooled, but everyone receives from Him what he deserves.” ^[21] In other words, God will not over-punish or under-punish anyone; He’s always right on the mark. Perhaps that’s why the statue of Justice shows her holding a scale where the two trays are even. That means no matter what amount of sins placed on one side, God will put an equal amount of punishment on the other. We see this in the fact that while Justice holds a scale in one hand, she holds a sword in the other.

Paul informs us that what we do with every working minute of the day, with every act, every word, and deed, is, in a sense, sowing. If we use our energies to sow those things that are of interest to our sinful, immoral nature, we will reap whatever those seeds produce in our flesh. For a list of those things created can be found in verses nineteen to twenty-one, in chapter five. By the same token, when we sow those things that are of interest to our redeemed and spiritual nature will bring in a harvest pleasing to God, and we can find that list in verses twenty-two to twenty-six, in chapter five. And always keep in mind, you cannot fool God, so don’t even try. You cannot outwit God by bringing something manufactured by the flesh and pass it off as having been motivated by the Spirit. Cain could not do it in the beginning, and we cannot do it now.

It appears that Paul is using a double-edged sword here. First, to the members, he is saying that you pay for what you get.  In other words, if your congregation is known for not supporting the pastor or financing the church’s outreach, then don’t be surprised if pastors with great talent and ability do not answer your call to the pulpit. He warned the teachers and preachers; do not expect something for anything. Just holding credentials as a teacher or preacher does not qualify you for sufficient support when what you teach or preach is boring, useless, self-serving, and spiritually void.

[1] Romans 6:13

[2] Ibid. 8:13

[3] Ibid. 13:14

[4] See Proverbs 22:8

[5] Jeremiah 12:12-13

[6] Hosea 10:12-13

[7] Ecclesiastes 11:1

[8] Revelation 11:10-12

[9] Psalm 126:5-6 – Complete Jewish Bible

[10] Ecclesiastes 11:5-6

[11] James 3:18

[12] Matthew 19:29; Luke 19:29-30

[13] John 6:27 – New Living Translation

[14] Romans 6:22

[15] 1 Timothy 4:16

[16] Titus 3:6-7

[17] Jude 1:21

[18] See Hosea 8:7; 10:12; Proverbs 22:8; Job 4:8 (Cf. 2 Corinthians 9:6)

[19] De Oratore of Cicero, Translated by F. B. Calvert, Published by Edmonston and Douglas, Edinburgh, 1870, LXV, p. 121

[20] Ibid. Translation by E. W. Sutton, Published by William Heinemann Ltd, London, 1967, Bk. II, Ch. LXV (262), p. 395

[21] Ambrosiaster: Commentary on Galatians, loc. cit., p. 32

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXXXVIII)

Having had the privilege and joy of pastoring one church in Germany and two churches in the USA, I often found myself explaining to some of the members why I didn’t do this or do that they felt every pastor should do. Not being a politician, I explained to them how I saw my role as pastor. First and foremost, I gave myself to the study of God’s Word. When I stepped into the pulpit, I wanted them to hear and feel that the sermon outline I was using was my own, but the message carried to their hearts belonged to God. In other words, I was the messenger, but the message was from God.

Tim Hegg also touches on the responsibility of those who teach others to be well versed themselves.^[1] But for me, on Tuesday, I would give myself to prayer and reading so that the Holy Spirit could bring to my attention what God wanted His people to hear. That generally took all morning. Then on Wednesday, I began to research the subject and build an outline so that I was able to deliver the main points for a good effect. On Thursday, I began to add my commentary to help expand the main points, which often had several sub-points. Then on Friday, I would go over the whole outline while I prayed for the Holy Spirit to give me insights that I could not supply on my own. On Saturday, I would make sure all the significant activities for the church in the coming week appeared in the bulletin. Then on Sunday, I would go in early and pray for God’s anointing to preach the message He gave me with assurance and conviction.

The afternoons were open for visitation and other duties. For me, if I did not prove to be a man of God sent by God to bring them His word, then all my other activities would be like building on sand. It would have been so easy to abandon such intense and detailed preparation for two sermons on Sunday and a Bible class on Wednesday. But I knew God called me to carry the Gospel. But how could I be a competent minister if I didn’t understand the Gospel? I had no interest in preaching someone else’s sermons (even though I often found stimulating ideas in those outlines). To be told that I didn’t visit enough, or that my bedside manners sorely needed improvement, or that I preached too long, was not pleasant, but tolerable because I was more interested in pleasing the One who sent me than the one’s He sent me to.

6:7 Another thing, don’t become conceited; don’t try to outsmart God. You will always reap the same crop as the seed you sow.

 EXPOSITION

Now Paul starts another paragraph that deals with the same topic only from a different angle. There is an old saying traced back to Jacques Abbadie (1654-1727), a French Protestant, who published a work called, “Traité de la Vérité de la Religion Chrétienne” (“Treatise on the Truth of the Christian Religion”). There, we find the following line: “One can fool some men, or fool all men in some places and times, but one cannot fool all men in all places and ages.” President Abraham Lincoln later is quoted as phrasing it this way: “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” I’m sure the Apostle Paul would agree with this, but he added one line here in verse seven we always need to keep in mind: If you think you can fool God only once, you are only deceiving yourselves. You will harvest what you plant.

When Paul wrote the Ephesians, he tied this motto to not only a person who attempts to hide their sins from God but those who play along with them under the guise of offering the Church’s forgiveness. Paul told them with no hesitation not to be fooled by those who try to excuse sins, for the displeasure of God will be felt by all who disobey Him.^[2] Also, the Apostle James makes a point on trying to forget wrongdoing, hoping God will overlook it as well. He told his readers to do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. Hearing God’s instructions and doing nothing is like a person who looks at their face in the mirror and doing nothing about what they saw. They immediately go away and forget how bad they looked.^[3]

The Apostle John puts it another way; He says that if we claim we have never sinned, we are only fooling ourselves and owning up to the truth. But if we are living in the light of the Gospel, as God is in that light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.^[4] As the wise man, Job asked, does God want your help if you are going to twist the truth to suit yourself? Be careful because He already knows what you are doing! Do you think you can fool God the same way you can fool those around you?^[5]

It was Paul’s way of saying that if you plant a sour lemon tree, don’t expect to grow Red Delicious apples. Wise man Job put it another way: My experience, says Job, shows that those who sow trouble are cultivating evil, and will harvest the same fruit.^[6] And King Solomon wrote that if you close your eyes to the facts and do not have respect for the Lord’s Word, turning your back on wisdom and spurning any advice, you will undoubtedly eat the bitter fruit of doing things your way and will have to endure the pain of your choosing.^[7] However, the prophet Hosea said that if you plant goodness, you will harvest faithful love. Plow the hard ground of your heart, and you will reap harmony with the Lord. He will come, and He will make goodness fall on you like rain.^[8]

COMMENTARY

Early church scholar Marius Victorinus (280-355 AD) notes that Paul adds another principle that harmonizes with what he said so far to prevent the Galatians from following anything besides the Gospel by coupling it with a legalistic way of life and works. Do not err, he says, for all those things which are established apart from the Gospel are error-prone. And he adds to this the necessary force to his precept with: “God,” he says, “is not mocked.” He does not say, “God knows all,” lest they should hope for some sort of cheap pardon for their error or some hidden sin. Instead, “God is not mocked,” and Paul clarifies what will happen to those who err and those who hold fast to worldly living.^[9]

John Flavel (1627-1691) writes about people who feel they are too important to be bothered by other people’s troubles. He asks them to consider that the seed they are sowing now in the lives of others is the seed planted for eternity, and will spring up again with the appropriate effects, rewards, and punishments, when you do that to them, are turned to dust, as Paul says here in verse seven. “What a person sows, they will also reap.” And as sure as the harvest follows the seed-time, so surely will shame, fear, and horror, follow sin.^[10] What Zeuxis, the famous Greek painter, said of his work when someone asked him why he was so peculiar in his work, we can confidently speak of ours, “I paint for eternity.” Oh my! how bitter will those things be before the Judgment Seat of the Anointed One, says Flavel. All will be judged based on what they did and how they did it. It is true; our physical actions are short-lived; how soon is a word or action spoken or done, and then that’s the end of it? But morally and spiritually speaking, they are permanent, written down in God’s book of account. Oh! Therefore, be careful in what you do, articulate, and act as a person who knows they must give an account.^[11]

American Puritan preacher Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) feels that it is absurd, and even ridiculous, for any person to pretend that they have a good heart, while they live a sinful life, or do not produce the fruit of holiness in their lifestyle. Time has proven that such individuals do not love God above all. It is foolish to dismiss plain facts and experience. You will find people walking down the broadway of sin and yet flatter themselves thinking they will still go to heaven. There they will be greeted as blessed beings. Or, expect to be welcomed as sacred saints without sanctified lives. In doing so, they hope to fool of the Judge of all Judges. Edwards says we find this implied in what the Apostle Paul says here in verse seven. Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

This is just another way of saying, says Edwards, that you are deceiving yourselves if you think you can expect to reap everlasting life in the hereafter if you do not sow to the Spirit here in this life. It is hopeless to imagine that God can be fooled by you, that He can be treated like a dummy and baffled with shadows instead of substances, and with imitation fruit instead of the excellent fruit which He expects. Not only that, but you who pretend to be real will openly be seen as false in your life before His face.^[12]

Cyril W. Emmit (1820-1903) takes the word “mocked” to mean “to turn up one’s nose at.” Archibald Robertson (1863-1934) agrees. He tells us that this rare Greek verb myktērizō is used only once in the Final Covenant, even though commonly used in the Greek Septuagint Version of the First Covenant. It comes from the root word for “nose,” and as used in verse seven, it means “turning the nose up at someone or something.” When God is the object of such scorn, it is never without punishment. Not by receiving something hurtful from God but not receiving something beneficial. Robertson believes that Paul means to say that this is “evading God’s laws which people think they can accomplish, but cannot.” ^[13]

Edward Huxtable (1833-1893), believes that rather than taking the word “sows” to imply this present life, and the word “reap” signaling the afterlife, we accept them as a reference to the present. What farmer sows a crop that he doesn’t expect to harvest until after he dies? On the Day of Judgment, each person will be judged not just by what they sowed in this life, but what they reaped. That’s why some will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” while others will receive, “Depart from me.” We see in verse eight that Paul was no doubt thinking of that sown to our body’s passions being in the present. After all, we can only harvest sinful things planted in our hearts and minds while we are alive in our bodies. And then, in verse nine, Paul tells them that sowing in the spirit should never make them want to give up because they will see a harvest as long as they keep doing good.^[14]

[1] Tim Hegg: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 259

[2] Ephesians 5:6

[3] James 1:22-24

[4] 1 John 1:8, 7

[5] Job 13:8-9

[6] Ibid. 4:8

[7] Proverbs 1:29-31

[8] Hosea 10:12

[9] Victorinus, Marius: Edwards, M. J. (Ed.). On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 96–97

[10] Daniel 12:2

[11] Flavel, John: Sermon 24, p. 293

[12] Jonathan Edwards: Religious Affections, Part 3, p 1022

[13] Archibald Robertson: Word Pictures, op. cit., p. 1474

[14] Pulpit Commentary: op. cit., Galatians, Exposition, Edward Huxtable, pp. 319-320

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXXXVII)

Thomas Aquinas shares from a teacher’s point of view what Paul is saying. He notes that any student can communicate in two ways with his or her teacher. First, to receive good things from the teacher; as it is said, “Let him that is instructed in the Word communicate by sharing with others what the teacher shared with them.” They don’t need to be afraid to imitate the teacher, because even Paul told the Corinthians to be imitators of him, as he was also an imitator of the Anointed One.^[1] But there are several things to keep in mind. Paul uses the Greek noun mimētēs from which we get our English word “mime.” It allows you to quote your teacher, share what you learned from your teacher, even copy the method your teacher used to instruct you. It doesn’t mean to imitate their hand movements, facial expressions, or even their voice.

Secondly, there may be some habits or expressions a teacher uses that are not good, especially if they don’t practice what they teach.^[2] Regardless, any student who is willing to contribute to their teacher’s expenses is also communicating a warm and welcomed example of appreciation. As Paul told the Corinthians: The Lord commanded that those who speak the Good News should get their living from their work.^[3] He also informed those sent out to spread the Gospel that if someone takes them in and gives them a place to sleep and food to eat, take what the people there give you. We should reward workers with pay. But don’t go from house to house, to find a better host, stay with those who are giving you hospitality.^[4] That’s because when a teacher sows spiritual things, they don’t want to reap worldly things.^[5]

So, says Aquinas, that’s why Paul emphasizes here that students should engage their teacher by interacting with them through questions, assignments, and contributions. After all, look at how the world supports their teachers who instruct them on secular matters. They pay them a salary, whether they are competent or not. Why then are some believers so reluctant to support their pastors and teachers who are instructing them on spiritual things. What you learn in the secular world will be out-of-date in a short time, but the spiritual truths you learn will last forever. Did not Jesus say that if worldly people know the benefit of taking responsibility reimbursing teachers, will not our Father in heaven give good things to them that ask him?^[6] So if you pray for God to show you a way to help your pastor or teacher, a sure method will be found with God’s help.^[7]

In other words, the exchange between teacher and student is mutual and reciprocal. I have learned in my teaching and preaching experience that the more the student puts into their studies, the more the teacher is motivated to go deeper into the Word. Therefore, we may take Paul’s warning here to not only mean that a student should be willing to support the ministry financially but also by participation and the practical application of what they are learning. One of the things that thrills a teacher more than a paycheck is when they see a student succeed in putting what they taught them into action.

Martin Luther shares a personal experience on the need to support the church’s ministers and teachers. He shares that as often as he read the warnings of the Apostle pointing out that the churches should support their pastors and raise funds for the relief of impoverished Christians, he was half ashamed to think that the great Apostle Paul had to touch upon this subject so frequently. In writing to the Corinthians, it required two chapters to impress this urgent matter on them. He would not want to discredit the congregation he served there in Wittenberg, Germany, the same way Paul shamed the Corinthians by urging them at such length to contribute to the relief of the poor. It seems to be a by-product of the Gospel that nobody wants to contribute to the maintenance of the Gospel ministry, says Luther. Unfortunately, when some preach the devil’s doctrines, people are too-generous in their voluntary support of those who deceive them.^[8]

John Calvin believes that Paul was not only laying down a principle that would be followed by the church in centuries to come but based on the fact that the teachers and ministers of the Word were, at that time, neglected. Calvin laments the fact that this shows the lowest form of ingratitude. How disgraceful is it to defraud those who feed their souls! – to refuse an earthly compensation to those from whom they receive heavenly benefits! Though it is improper to take too much time in complaining or to be too demanding of a preacher’s rights, yet Paul found himself called upon to challenge the Galatians to perform this part of their duty.

Calvin is convinced that Paul was ready to do so because he had no private interest in the matter. He was concerned about the universal benefit this would have on the Church, without any regard to his advantage. He saw that because the Word itself was not highly esteemed, they neglected the ministers of the Word. It is one of Satan’s tricks to defraud godly ministers of support; it deprives the Church of such ministers. An earnest desire to preserve a Gospel ministry led to Paul’s recommendation that we should pay proper attention to ethical and faithful pastors.^[9] So it appears that what upset Paul during his day, was also an upsetting problem in Calvin’s day.

I like what William A. O’Conor implies about the meaning of Paul’s words here in verse six, where he says that there is a lot of distorting influence in comparing oneself to others that often arises between those who are teaching and those there to learn. It is easy to misjudge another person as to their being what they claim to be, or if they are pretending to be something they are not. If a student believes their teacher does not possess the qualifications that impress them, they will often stop listening. And if teachers conclude that a student does not show the promise for greatness they are looking for, they offer only crumbs instead of the whole loaf.[10]

I learned while studying oriental philosophy at the University of North Dakota, and then living in Asia that Masters of various arts hope that their Deshi (“disciple”) ended up becoming even better than they are. Still, under Jesus, the Master, a mathētēs (“learner, pupil disciple”), can never exceed His mastery. They continue learning and learning.

George G. Findlay (1849-1919) makes a valid point when interpreting what Paul says here in verse six about those learning should provide for their teachers all the good things they have. While some have interpreted this to mean money and goods, Findlay believes it goes beyond that. It involves the unity of the Church, and in that sense, believers are to render help to their teachers with whatever kind of spiritual gifts they have. Believers have no right leaving all the burdens of the Church’s ministry up to the leaders. The battles should not be fought and worn by Church ministers alone. That will cause the laity to become lazy and begin criticizing the leaders because they did not do a sufficient job in handling their responsibilities. Everything, says Findlay, depends on spiritual fellowship, bound together with the strength of love that knits all the members of the Anointed One’s body as one, so they can do together what none of them can do alone.^[11]

While I lived and ministered in Germany, I learned about what they call the “Church Tax.” The government collected “worship taxes” that they portioned out among all the congregations according to their membership size. But after I returned to the States, I learned that under pressure, from those who did not attend or belong to a church, the government decided that only those who were members must continue paying this tax. Needless to say, the support coming to the churches from the government dropped dramatically. The churches then were forced to start collecting tithes from their members.

Hans Dieter Betz sees another maxim that Paul was familiar with but repeated it in such a way that Betz calls “puzzling.” Paul said, “The one who receives instruction in the Word should share all good things with their instructor.” It appears that Paul is adding to what he already said in verses four and five. In other words, are both based on the concept of introspection before expectoration – be thankful for what you’ve received so you can better judge what you give. The emphasis is on the activation of the process, not the amount of the process. It also assumes one group of mentors with those they are mentoring or teachers with those they are teaching.^[12] One of the disappointments that many pastors and Bible teachers experience is that despite all their research, preparation, and delivery of God’s Word, those who receive it seldom if ever share it with anyone, they just keep it to themselves. It would be like a farmer planting a crop of corn and putting all of it in their pantry for personal use.

Jewish writer W. A. Liebenberg reminds us of what Paul is saying here in verse six about those taught the Teachings of which Paul spoke was the Torah because, at that time, the Christians did not have any Bible. Even Yeshua said, “The Torah I teach is not my Torah but the Torah of Him who sent me.” ^[13]  So then, who do some Christian pastors and Bible-teachers think sent Yeshua? If therefore, the Messiah’s Torah is YaHWeH’s Torah, as Yeshua declares, then these verses prove that we must be careful not to dilate our exposition of the Scriptures by not rightly dividing the Word of Truth. It will, and has, led millions of Christians to oppose the Torah of YaHWeH and the very words of their Redeemer, Yeshua. Because of that, it has caused millions of Jews to despise Yeshua, the Apostle Paul, and the Final Covenant!

I will say there is guilt on both sides. Many Christians forget, when Jesus referred to the Word of God, He referred to the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. So, if Jesus thought it worthy enough to quote in His teachings and sermons, then who are we to make light of the First Covenant? Also, the Jews refuse to accept that Yeshua, the Messiah came to compete the work intended for the Torah, which it could not do. It could condemn, but not forgive. Yeshua provides by perfectly fulfilling the Law, and thereby offering forgiveness for sins. Why not let go of words on parchment and turn to the Living Word for instructions on satisfying the Law?

[1] I Corinthians 11:1

[2] Matthew 23:3

[3] I Corinthians 9:14

[4] Luke 10:7

[5] I Corinthians 9:11

[6] Matthew 7:11

[7] Thomas Aquinas: Commentary on Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, loc. cit.

[8] Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians, loc. cit.

[9] John Calvin: Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians, loc. cit.

[10] O’Conor, William A. On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 97–98

[11] George G. Findlay: On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 406-407

[12] Hans Dieter Betz: On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 304=305

[13] John 14:24

When you think of being compassionate for someone or having compassion on an individual because of what they are going through, that’s only half the story. Having compassion literally means “to suffer together.” Among emotion researchers, it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. Compassion is not the same as empathy or altruism (selflessness), though the concepts are related. Therefore, the definition of being compassionate is showing kindness and empathy to others in an effort to relieve their suffering.

So, compassion is not just a feeling, it is an act of one’s will. That’s why we often hear it said, “They showed such compassion.” Thus, psychologist Emma Seppälä says we should not confuse compassion with empathy. Empathy, as defined by researchers, is the instinctive or emotional experience of another person’s feelings. It is, in a sense, an automatic mirroring of another’s emotion, like tearing up at a friend’s sadness. Altruism[1] is an action that benefits someone else. It may or may not be accompanied by empathy or compassion, for example in the case of making a donation for tax purposes. Although these terms are related to compassion, they are not identical. Compassion often does, of course, involve an empathic response and altruistic behavior. However, compassion is defined as the emotional response when perceiving suffering and involves an authentic desire to help.

Psychologist Heather S. Lonczak tells us that Compassion is as vital to life as the air we breathe. For in the absence of compassion, how many benevolent, selfless, and heroic deeds would have happened throughout history? She then lists a number of things about compassion that have proven beneficial. For instance, compassion promotes social connection among adults and children. Social connection is important to adaptive human functioning, as it is related to increased self-esteem, empathy, well-being, and higher interpersonal orientation.
And there are others. Compassion is related to increased happiness. Compassion is related to higher levels of well-being. Compassionate love is associated with higher patient survival rates, even after adjusting for social support and substance use effects. Patient-reported clinician empathy and compassion is related to increased patient satisfaction and lower distress. Brief expressions of compassion expressed by doctors are related to decreased patient anxiety.
Also, compassion has a mediating effect on the link between religion and aggression among adolescents. Stated another way, a relationship between religion and aggression was diminished among youths rated higher in compassion and self-control. Compassion-focused therapy is reported as a promising therapeutic approach for individuals with affective disorders characterized by high self-criticism.

Furthermore, compassion promotes positive parenting by improving parent-child relationships (i.e., more affection and less negative affect. Consequently, there are various mindfulness-based parent training approaches and parenting. Compassion within classrooms is related to increased cooperation and better learning. Compassion for teachers, as expressed by colleagues, is linked to increased teacher job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and a sense of emotional vigor.

Compassion expressed as a function of service work is related to improved health and well-being among volunteers. Self-compassion has a number of proven psychological benefits, such as reduced PTSD symptom severity, and lower levels of psychopathology in general. Self-compassion is linked to more positive aging. The combination of self-compassion and optimism is beneficial for depression-vulnerable people.

Low habitual self-compassion and high self-criticism are related to a higher risk of depression. Self-compassion is linked to various aspects of general well-being, such as Self-compassion reduces burnout and fosters important adaptive qualities among medical professionals. Self-compassion buffers the negative impact of stress. If you are still having difficulty in bringing the expression of compassion into focus, just think of Jesus of Nazareth and Mother Theresa.

As Christians, we must also be interested in finding out what the Bible has to say about compassion. The prophet Isaiah asks an intriguing question, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” [2] And the prophet Jeremiah states during a time of lamenting, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His compassion never comes to an end.[3] Then the Psalmist adds his definition of God’s compassion, “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” [4]

And our Lord Jesus also was known for His compassion. Matthew tells us that, “When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” [5] And in another place, Matthew tells us that “When Jesus went ashore, He saw a great crowd, and He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” [6]

The Apostle Peter also knew what compassion was, so he told his readers, “Finally, Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble.” [7] And the Apostle John was of the same mind when he wrote, “If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet has no compassion for him, how does God’s love abide in him?” [8]

Last but not least, the Apostle Paul joins in by saying, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” [9] And to the Philippians Paul wrote, “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then Paul tells the Colossians,  So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” [10]

So, the next time you speak of someone as having compassion or even claim having been compassionate to a friend in need, remember compassion without collaboration is merely a thought without any feeling. And no one wants to be known as being such a person. The Bible gives us plenty of examples to follow. Therefore, prior to deciding on being compassionate to somebody, be ready to become involved. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

[1] Altruism is the behavior of a person that benefits another at their own expense.

[2] Isaiah 49:15

[3] Lamentations 3:22-23

[4] Psalm 86:15

[5] Matthew 9:36; See Matthew 15:32; 18:27; 20:34

[6] Ibid 14:14

[7] 1 Peter 3:8

[8] 1 John 3:17

[9] 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

[10] Colossians 3:12-13