What does it mean to not grow weary and lose heart (Galatians 6:9)?

TL;DR:

In Galatians 6:9, when Paul tells believers not to “grow weary” or “lose heart,” he is referring to our service to the Lord. Paul explains how our service to the Lord leads to heavenly rewards.

In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages believers in Galatia not to tire of the work they are doing for the Lord. The Bible teaches that serving the Lord is never in vain. The Old Testament records many who faithfully did as God asked and to whom the Lord granted favor. Examples of this are Noah (Genesis 6–7), who built an ark and was preserved by God from destruction; Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son for God (Genesis 22:1–19) and whom God blessed all the nations through; and Joshua, who at God’s direction, marched around the walls of Jericho the number of times God specified and whom God blessed by conquering that city (Joshua 6:3–5). These and other Bible passages show that those who follow God’s commands are blessed by Him. The Bible also teaches, though, that we are to love the Lord, and that should motivate us, not just rewards (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Joshua 22:5; 1 Samuel 12:24). Since New Testament times, believers have been tasked with spreading the gospel message (Matthew 28:16–20). Jesus warned followers that the world would oppose us (John 16:33), and that reality can be discouraging. That’s why so many New Testament passages encourage persistence in our service for the Lord. Paul's own persistence is an example; he compares this perseverance to a race that he has run for the Lord, for which he will receive a prize (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 2 Timothy 4:7). The prize is not salvation, as that is a free gift; the saved person’s works go toward his rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:11–15). Perseverance becomes easier when we realize that the Lord notices our efforts.

from the old testament

In singing of how God will mete out justice on Israel’s enemies, David says in Psalm 58:11, “Mankind will say, ‘Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.’” Believers then and believers today can be confident that the God we serve is just. He will not forget our service to Him and will reward us accordingly. This heartens us so that we won’t “grow weary” (Galatians 6:9).

from the new testament

In Galatians 6:9, Paul writes these encouraging words to believers: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (NKJV). Paul reminds the church of future rewards to help them maintain diligence in the present. As Paul’s words suggest, we must trust God and not lose heart in the work He has given us to do.
First Corinthians 3:11–15 makes it clear that Paul isn’t talking about a works-based salvation in Galatians 6:9. Salvation is a gift from the Lord, not something we earn (v. 11). But God will reward in heaven those who have done His work on earth: “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”
First Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Like his message to the Galatians, Paul’s message to the Corinthian church encouraged them to be steadfast and immovable, abounding in God's work because their labor was pleasing to the Lord.
Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” God sees all that we do for His kingdom, and He will reward our efforts in eternity. But our work is not just transactional; it’s based on our love for God and others.

implications for today

“TGIF!” is a common phrase that expresses a perennial truth: reward and celebration for a long week of work we’ve done. The reward for a hard week of work is the means to support yourself and your family and to buy the necessities (and sometimes even the luxuries). A Christian also has work to do—work that isn’t over on Friday but will persist until the Lord calls us home. Our work is to tell others about the Lord (Matthew 28:19–20) and help those in need (Matthew 25:35–40). As we help others, we prioritize our brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:10), but we do good to everyone. And for all this, our reward is much greater than the end-of-week paycheck. Christians’ reward for service to the Lord is pleasing the One we love (Matthew 22:37–40) and reaping our prize in heaven. As we witness to others in word and deed, though, it’s easy to get discouraged because we encounter apathy or even resentment. We can’t allow that discouragement to tire us. Our Lord is just, and He notices what we do even when the world scorns it. Knowing that we are pleasing our Creator is its own reward—but the Lord will give us even more than that. He has promised us a heavenly reward that is beyond what we can imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9; 3:11–15). Perseverance becomes easier when we realize that the Lord notices our efforts.

understand

Serving the Lord is never in vain, and God promises rewards for faithful service.
Perseverance and holding onto God’s character as trustworthy, good, and faithful are essential to not grow weary or lose heart.
The motivation for service should be our love for God and others, with the assurance that God sees and values our labor.

reflect

When facing discouragement in serving the Lord, how can remembering eternal rewards encourage you to persevere?
How does your love for God and others influence your desire to continue living for the Lord, even when it seems difficult?
In what areas of your life might you be tempted to grow weary or lose heart, and how can you find encouragement to persevere?

engage

How can we help each other stay motivated in our service to the Lord when facing discouragement or opposition?
What does it mean for the church to be steadfast and immovable in God’s work, and how can we encourage one another to embody this attitude?
How can we shift our focus from seeking immediate rewards to trusting in God’s ultimate justice and rewards in heaven?