Q.
Hello! When it comes to sowing and reaping as mentioned in Galatians 6:7, is that mainly referring to the giving of our resources,
or is it referring to all of life? Since we were born sinners, that puts us into a pretty hefty hurt bag except it be for God’s mercy to me.
A.
Thank you for your honest question. The passage you are referring to is Galatians 6:6-10:
Galatians 6:6 “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.”
Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Galatians 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
There are varying interpretations regarding this passage. Let’s start by considering what is clear.
The context of verse six and verse ten inform us that the primary application in those two verses addresses material resources. We are to give generously in a material sense to those who have given to us in a spiritual sense. When you have been blessed by the communication of truth in a way that has built faith, you will be motivated to give to those God has used to bless you.
The verses in between the clear application given in verse six and verse ten do seem to be broader in their application. It’s the principle of sowing and reaping. While this can be taken negatively, two considerations emphasize the positive.
First, if we have sown to the flesh, when the Holy Spirit convicts us, we can walk in the light by honestly confessing our sins (1 John 1:7,9). Not only does the Bible promise forgiveness and cleansing, but there is the indication that God gives mercy and doesn’t always let the reaping match the sowing. This is seen in the Old Testament parallel to 1 John 1:9, which is Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” This promise of mercy is an encouraging motivation to face wrong choices humbly and honestly.
Second, verse nine emphasizes in the very context the positive of the sowing and reaping principle: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” This positive emphasis should inspire us to focus on the positive in faith and not the negative in fear.
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