³But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

Many things cause weariness. Gideon and his select three hundred men, while pursuing the Midianites with God’s guidance, became weary (Judges 8:4). King David and his men became exhausted as they fled Jerusalem with David’s son Absolom in hot pursuit (2 Sam. 16:14). The psalmist wrote, “I am weary with my sighing . . .” (Ps. 6:6, see Ps. 63:1). Weariness is the companion of living, even when obeying God.

Christians can experience the weariness that comes from living for the Lord and confronting those who either resist the gospel or presume upon grace (that is, free-loading Christians). God at times uses the same terminology to describe His attitude toward His rebelling people: “I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts . . . I am weary of bearing them” (Is. 1:14) and “[Y]ou have burdened Me with your sins, you have wearied Me with your iniquities” (Is. 43:24).

Paul knew the experience of being worn down by the constant conflict that accompanies the life of service to God. He went so far as to say, “For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life . . .” (2 Cor. 1:8). Now that is weariness to the max!

So what is the solution for the believer’s weariness? The short answer from the inspired and experienced apostle Paul: “Stop it!” There is no magical formula. Setting aside our weariness is not something God can do for us; it is our responsibility, plain and simple. God certainly provides help, but we must appropriate and embrace the strength He offers. We must do it! Paul preaches to himself as much as to all of us.

We are helped by reminding ourselves of God’s promises:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28–30)

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb. 12:3)

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. (Gal 6:9)

Lord, I will not succumb to weariness in living for and obeying You! I set You before me as my example.