God's Principle of Reaping and Sowing
Galatians 6:7-10 states, "Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life . . . let us do good to all people."
This passage contains an important scriptural truth: Our positive actions will ultimately benefit us, whereas our negative deeds will eventually bring harmful repercussions. This principle is a "corollary" to the Golden Rule. As we saw yesterday, the Lord calls us to treat other people with kindness and respect, even when they aren't easy to love. Admittedly, this can be difficult when an individual wrongs us continually. But if we give in to our flesh and retaliate, we are sowing seeds of corruption, and in due time, we will reap accordingly.
On the other hand, treating someone well?even after he has been unkind?will profit us. According to Scripture, we are "sow[ing] to the Spirit" and will reap rewards. Some benefits may be supernatural and unknown to us at the time. Yet we do know that obedience in this situation will facilitate forgiveness, build character, and develop endurance. No matter what the other person does, we always win when we walk obediently before the Lord.
Think of relationship challenges as a chance for unbelievers to witness God's love in action. With His help, you can sow seeds of love, joy, and peace that will yield a rich harvest for your own life as well as for the other person. You'll also avoid the ill effects that come from harboring bitterness and anger.
